This year, Poutama students have been Embracing Opportunities and Creating Excellence, proudly represented Pāpāmoa College in two events at the Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ).

●      Special Olympics Athletics – Tauranga, Thursday 6 March

●      Special Olympics Tenpin - Tauranga, Friday 14 March

Each event offered a platform for our students to showcase their courage and resilience and their love of sport. We will also take part in the SONZ football competition at the end of Term 2 and will also enter a team into the SONZ Basketball competition in Term 4. We love the opportunity to compete and always have a great day out!

Highlights and Achievements

Our tauira (students) rose to the challenge and gave it their all. Here are some proud moments from our Special Olympics Athletics day and our 10 Pin Bowling competition:

●     Joe Bradley - Joe came 5th in the 60 metre run. Competition was fierce but Joe ran hard until the end of his race. Joe competed in all field events and was a runner in our Poutama relay team.

●      Sergio Champness placed first in the 100 metre walk and displayed excellent focus and strategy.

●      Manaia Martin placed 1st in the 100 metre walk and was cheered on by all of his Papamoa team mates.

●      Zachy Griffin and Luka Johnstone placed 1st in the 100 metre wheelchair race. The boys won by an impressive margin and showed how team work makes the dream work!

●      Luka Johnstone placed 1st in the 200 metre run and collected many placings in a day of triumphs!

●      Monti Rameka was a key member in the team relay placing 3rd overall. He was a field event legend who won the modified Javelin throw.

●      Team Poutama placed 3rd in the relay and showed outstanding teamwork and communication. This was one of our favourite events!

●      Monti Rameka got a double strike in Tenpin! This easily moved him into first place with Monti becoming our overall champion on the day.

Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our dedicated teacher aides Shane, Debbie and Margaret who organized our day and ensured we took part in every event on offer. Debbie was our teacher in charge and did a great job of organising us all! Thanks team!

Thanks also to Matt de Jardin, the SONZ Regional Sports Coordinator and his crew of helpers who turned on a beautiful day and organised these great events! We look forward to the next two Matt!