Vili to Take on Kiwi Kids’ Shot Put Invention

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

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