Olympic glory for sporty students

Students at Mangawhai Beach School took part in their own version of the Olympics in September. 

Twenty-four teams represented 12 countries. 

“It started with a student running a torch into the arena while Chariots of Fire blasted from the loudspeakers,” said Dianne Tenneman, school administrator. “Then students playing the roles of Lord Lance Coker (Deane Wedge) and the Queen (Lynette Allott) opened the Games.” 

Activities included javelin, tennis, shot put, ‘step through the ladder’, ‘sling the hoop over a cone’, hurdles, a quiz about the history of the Olympics and much more. 

The points winners were France (3404 points,) 2nd USA (3110), and 3rd Croatia (3056).

Of course New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Japan, Hungary, Greece, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Russia were all represented.

“A ceremony was held after the games to commemorate the winners and medals were handed out,” added Dianne. “It was a great day where all the children participated well and the rain stayed away.”

- Julia West