Students Get a Taste of Unique Sports at Festival

Students Get a Taste of Unique Sports at Annual Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival

Wellington primary schools got a taste of 20 different sports at yesterdays 11th annual Pelorus Trust Stadium Sports Festival. Held at Westpac Stadium, over 600 children from 20 different local primary schools were invited to ‘have a go’ at everything from ultimate frisbee to karate.

Organised by Sport Wellington, the event looks to give year 5 and 6 primary school children the opportunity to experience new sports while allowing sports providers to interact and develop relationships with local schools and their students. In its 11th year, the event has provided over 6000 children from 141 primary schools with the opportunity to get involved with sports they may not have tried or even heard of.

Teacher Judy Atkinson brought along 30 students from Paraparaumu Beach School who couldn’t wait to touch down on the famous Westpac Stadium field. “Being at the stadium is really awesome, the kids just love it” says Judy. Paraparaumu Beach School worked their way through Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball and Athletics before wrapping the day up with a session of Rugby League.

The students were excited to see many of their favourite sports stars attending as well as having local legends participate with them, with professional coaches and international players amongst those leading the sports sessions. “It’s impressive to see top sportsman teaching the kids and passing down their knowledge, it gives them a hero to look up to” says Judy.

Wellington Phoenix players Paul Ifill and Louis Fenton were in attendance along with current Blackstick Steven Jenness who recently played his 100th game for New Zealand. The stars won over the crowds of children with advice and autograph signings. Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown also took the morning to mingle with the children and check out the unique sports on offer, while MP Trevor Mallard suited up to take on a worthy opponent at Fencing, alongside Commonwealth Fencing Champion and 2016 Olympic Games hopeful Ping Yuan.

Organiser David Fa’atafa says “the day was simply fantastic. You could tell that along with the students, even the teachers had a fantastic time. The sport providers provided quality ‘have-a-go’ sessions that the children just loved.” Fa’atafa hopes that the children leave having discovered a new interest or an open mind for getting involved with one of the sports through their schools, a sports club or KiwiSport programme.

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