Two hundred and sixty-four children from around the Upper Clutha took part in the annual Upper Clutha Primary Schools Athletics Championship on Thursday (March 13) at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

Students in years 5-8 qualified for the event by achieving the top six in their event at their school events, with all the local schools in the area represented: Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC), Wānaka Primary School, Te Kura o Take Karara, Holy Family School, Hāwea Flat School, and Makarora School.

“To see the camaraderie and manners amongst the schools with a healthy level of competition was inspiring,” Wānaka Primary School deputy principal Jason Cowan, the event organiser, told the Wānaka App.

“The morning started crisp and clear with a little dew on the ground, which created a few hurdles for some competitors,” he said.

Nine-year-old Ahri from Hāwea Flat School throwing the discus. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“The hardest competition was getting to the toilets as the recreation centre was hosting 1,200 at the same time.”

Finalists will go on to represent the Upper Clutha at the Central Otago Championships at the Alexandra Domain on March 26, where the Upper Clutha will compete against the Wakatipu Basin and the Dunstan Area.

Lacey Bristow (year 8), who came second in high jump. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Mitchell Robertson (year 7) competing in long jump. PHOTO: Lydia McRae

Maddy Moore (Wānaka Primary School) competing in long jump. PHOTO: Wānaka App