Whangarei Boys’ High School wins Get2Go challenge

Media Release
Friday 15 December

Whangarei Boys’ High School wins Get2Go challenge on Great Barrier Island

The SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) Get2Go final ended in a thrilling treasure hunt on Great Barrier Island today with Whangarei Boys’ High School winning the inaugural five day adventure challenge.

Windsurfing Olympic Gold Medallist Barbara Kendall was at the finishing line to check out her future competition but more importantly to congratulate and award prizes to the competitors.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see these youngsters being given the opportunity to participate and thrive in the outdoors. Their parents and schools can be really proud of what they’ve achieved here this past week,” said Kendall. “I’m confident we’ll be seeing more from these guys in future – London 2012 here we come!”

Whangarei Girls’ High School finished second followed by Massey High School in third place. A total of 10 teams of Year 9 and 10 students from schools throughout Auckland and Northland competed in the event. Students were challenged both mentally and physically in a range of land and aquatic based outdoor activities including rock climbing, sea kayaking, bridge and raft building, orienteering and mountain-biking.

SPARC General Manager Sector Development Peter Miskimmin said the event, including the regional challenges which saw 300 students participate, had been a great success.
“Get2Go has provided wonderful opportunities for children who haven’t previously taken part in outdoor pursuits and given them the confidence and competence to continue exploring that environment,” said Miskimmin.

Miskimmin congratulated the competitors for their commitment and achievement but especially the schools and parents for supporting the students.

Get2Go is one of many SPARC initiatives aimed at getting young New Zealanders active.

SPARC partnered with Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) to set-up Get2Go to encourage participation in outdoor pursuit activities.

OPC Chief Executive Grant Davidson said the competition had been hard fought.

“It’s been a wonderful five days. We’ve loved watching the kids develop their skills and grow in confidence overnight,” said Davidson.

For more information about Get2Go or SPARC visit www.sparc.org.nz

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