On Friday 24th February all manner of non-motorised wheeled machines arrived at Waikanae School, ranging from Wheelies (shoes with wheels built into the heels) to scooters, bikes, trollies and skateboards of all kinds.
A school-wide survey showed that there were 11 skateboarders, 88 on bikes and 202 with scooters.
As part of the nation-wide 2012 Bike Wise challenge (www.bikewise.co.nz) where individuals and organisations are encouraged to get into biking.
The day started off with a Bike-to-school breakfast for 160, and many parents accompanied their children and were on their own bikes. Hubbards supplied Museli and the Bike Wise organisation supplying merchandise prizes for those who participated.
Lunchtime activities, run by a group of senior students included activities and games run on the tennis court, all with junior and senior children allocated different areas for safety reasons.
Bikes and races were on the large grassed top playing field, scooters had ramps to jump, and courses were marked out around the paved areas using chalk to encourage one way traffic.
While several children were allocated boxes of sticking plasters to deal with gazes there were few required by the participants.
“It was great to see the children whizzing around and having fun, being on their bikes, and involved in activities and challenges said Waikanae School teacher and sports organiser Nancy Williams.
And they were having so much fun while taking on the challenges, using ramps and obstacles, and trying the different activities on offer.”
Story and Photo by Peter Corlett
