Vili to Take on Kiwi Kids’ Shot Put Machine Inventions
Auckland, 22 July 2008 –
Visa is giving Kiwi kids the chance to pit their brains against Valerie Vili’s brawn by designing a machine that can
out-throw Valerie – Visa’s Olympic ambassador for New Zealand and world champion shot putter.
The nationwide competition, launched today by Visa, challenges schools to design a machine that can fire a four kilogram
shot put further than Valerie Vili’s world record distance of 20.54 metres.
The best entries in the primary/intermediate (up to 12 years) and secondary school (12 years and over) categories will
not only win $10,000 for their school, they will have the opportunity to test their creation against Valerie in person
upon her return from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
“I can’t wait to see what the students come up with and will be returning to New Zealand, muscles flexed and eager to
take on the challenge!” says Valerie. Visa New Zealand’s Country Manager, Iain Jamieson says the Valerie vs. the Machine
competition is a way for schools to capitalise on the excitement of the Games.
“This is a fun opportunity for students to be inspired by a world class New Zealand athlete and maybe even learn some
history, physics and maths while they are at it,” he says.
“The best design will be built and tested against Valerie so the stakes are high!” Entries will be judged on the length
of throw, the originality of design, feasibility to be able to build the machine and creativity in naming the machine.
Entries close on 24 August. For more information, or to receive an entry pack visit www.valerievsthemachine.co.nz or
email info@Valerievsthemachine.co.nz.
ENDS