Olympic ideals upheld at Puahue

TEAM England members wave to spectators during the Puahue Olympic opening ceremony. TC260808CA03

The athletes marched past resplendent in their team colours, the torch relay arrived, the flag was raised, the oaths were taken and the games were officially opened (more than once).

The Olympic spirit was strong at Puahue last week as students and staff staged their own games to mark the international event. It was a colourful culmination of a five week enquiry learning programme at Puahue School - focussing on sportsmanship, excellence, perseverance and justice.

New Zealand cyclist Rushlee Buchanan gave an inspirational speech to athletes during the opening ceremony - reflecting each of those attributes.

‘‘In my first big race I crashed and ended up in hospital. I broke my bike, smashed my front teeth and was a bit of a mess really. But it didn’t put me off. After goal setting and a lot of hard work I eventually represented New Zealand.’’

Rushlee helped raise the flag with the Puahue Olympic Committee President (principal Scott Wilson), officially opened the games and signed the schools’ ‘wall of fame’. She was thanked for attending and presented with a commemorative Gold medal.

In all eight countries took part in the Puahue Olympic games - undertaking everything from pingpong ball blowing and paper dart throwing to relays, an obstacle course and steeplechase.

Mrs Collins says many children at Puahue School have close ties to particular countries, so they were able to be part of teams such as England, Holland and South Africa. Each team was cheered on by friends and family, and were encouraged by staff members (who were part of the highly coveted Team New Zealand).

The grand finale was a tug-o-war between countries, while a couple of parents’ teams were part of the ‘demonstration’ sport.

The closing ceremony featured presentation of medals to Greece (Gold), Germany (Silver) and China (Bronze). England athletes proudly carried the torch away, heading for London (in spirit) and the 2012 Olympic Games.