14 August 2000 Thousands in schools' annual Sporting Challenge

Up to 10,000 Canterbury primary and intermediate school pupils are taking part in this year's Rebel KiwiSport Challenge over 21 August - 15 September.

"Building on previous successful Challenges we hope to make this year's event, the first of the new Millennium, bigger and better than ever," says Mark Enright of Lincoln University.

Students from Lincoln help the schools with organisation, supervision, and coaching as part of practical work requirements for their Bachelor of Recreation Management degrees.

KiwiSport Challenge is a Hillary Commission programme promoting participation in sport for all children regardless of age or ability. The aim is to promote the KiwiSport ideals of participation and fair play.

A variety of sports are offered to the pupils including cricket, netball, orienteering, volleyball, rugby league and tennis.

"Taking part is what it is all about, not winning or losing," says Mark.

While simply taking part is the aim for the pupils, their schools have a chance of winning a share of $2000 worth of sporting goods provided by sponsors Rebel Sport. Schools attracting the most spectators in relation to children taking part win a share of the sporting goods. There are two categories, one for schools with rolls over 150, the other for schools with less than 150. The top three schools in each category receive prizes.

Last year's overall winning schools were Kirkwood Intermediate (roll over 150) and Lake Coleridge-Windwhistle (roll under 150).

Rebel KiwiSport Challenge 2000 – a selection of participating schools

Waikuku Primary School                                29th August 2000              Full Day Event

Lady of Assumption School                          31st August 2000              Full Day Event

Burnham Primary School                                1st September 2000          Full Day Event

Waiaraki Primary School                                4th September 2000          Morning Event

Montessori Nova Primary School                  7th September 2000          Morning Event
(held in St. Albans Park)

Hornby Primary School                                  7th September 2000          Full Day Event

Dunsandel Primary School                             8th September 2000          Full Day Event

South New Brighton Primary School              15th September 2000        Full Day Event

PLEASE NOTE:

• Full day events will stretch the entire school day. (From 9am to 3pm).

• Morning events are for the morning only. (From 9am to 12pm).

• All events are held on the schools grounds unless otherwise specified.

Mark Enright, 9 Croften Road, Harewood, Christchurch, New Zealand

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand