A group of Te Puru School students caused a “ripple effect” recently at the Zespri AIMS games, where they snapped up a monumental achievement.
Te Puru School’s Rip Rugby team competed at the Zespri AIMS Games, which is Australasia’s largest annual junior sporting event, in Tauranga Moana from August 30 to September 5.
One of the Tauranga tournament’s newest and most prestigious prizes was awarded to Te Puru School’s Rip Rugby team for their incredible commitment to integrity, sportsmanship and spirit of fair play.
The Ripple Effect Award was initiated and signed by one of New Zealand’s most successful Olympians, Dame Lisa Carrington.
Teacher Hayley Fenton said Te Puru plucked 12 players from their small school roll to enter the Rip Rugby competition for the first time.
“We were beside ourselves just with our placing of 50th and we were delighted to be part of the games,” she said.
“What an honour and a privilege and an incredible way to be recognised.”
Te Puru’s Rip Rugby team received multiple nominations during the week.
According to one nomination, they opened their first-ever match with a powerful haka which set the tone for a game filled with grit and grace.
In a poignant gesture of respect, they recognised a player from the opposing St Heliers School team with an outstanding player award that reflected their own school value of perseverance.
One observer said: “Te Puru School truly epitomised the values of integrity, sportsmanship, and fun challenge on the field today”.
Hayley said it meant so much to be recognised for “what is important to us and our te kaha (strength) that we carried with us through the games”.
“To be recognised among all other schools is incredible.”
It wasn’t Te Puru’s first time in the headlines.
Before the tournament even began, they’d distinguished themselves with a novel and worthwhile fundraising effort, and cleaned up nearly 8km of coastline between Thames and Te Puru.
“I know I’m biased but we really do have the best school with the best kids,” Hayley said.
“We are proud of ourselves and our community.
“Thank you and ngā mihi to whoever nominated us.”
– By ZOE HUNTER
