A huge success is how Constable Allan Hallberg described this week’s Blue Light PTC (Physical Competence Test) for 40 school teams at Te Atiawa Park in Paraparaumu.
“It is the most ever teams we have had and its getting more popular every year. Apart from the 40 school teams we also had three corporate teams,” said Mr Hallberg.
Competition was fierce with schools from all over Kāpiti competing, not only for the local trophy but also for the chance to compete at the National finals to be staged at the Porirua Police College at the end of April.
The test required teams to push a trailer 10meters, remove a tyre from the trailer and carry it back to the start then run 200 meters. Then they walk a balance beam, jump a six foot space, jump a hurdle, run around cones, go under two more hurdles then climb through a window. After that it gets easy; they only have to climb a six foot wall, drag a 70kg dummy and climb a 10ft hurricane fence.
The whole team has to complete all of the tasks.
Waikanae School were in superb form taking first and second places while the third place went to the team Kena Kena School. All three teams will compete at the Nationals.
The winning team of Jesse Pearson, Kelsie Taitoko, Tom Goodman, Evie Goldie completed the course in the very impressive time of 2.41, just nine seconds ahead of the Waikanae School number two team of Jacob Higgins, Madi Golding, Caleb Brown, and Lily Palmer.
The third placed Kena Kena team of Nikita Scott, Lucy Bould, Jack Hibberd and Joel Scott completed the course in 2.55.
The corporate event was won by the Police team of Constable Brett Polglase, Detective Sgt James Mackay, Constable Mike Howland and Detective Constable Glenn Cooper in the very quick time of 2.30 ahead of teams made up of teachers and parents from Raumati Beach/Kenakena (2.56) and Kapanui Primary (3.06).
Mr Hallberg said the value of the event is enormous.
“The kids love it. It’s a big get-together outside and helps build a great relationship between the kids and police. It helps build pride in the schools and in the community. We are all looking forward to next year already,” he said.
