Students to shine

Devon Burt, from the Tauranga Special School satellite unit at Papamoa College, will be hitting the streets of Mount Maunganui with fellow students for the half marathon on August 25.

For the past two years Devon Burt has been a vocal supporter of his Tauranga Special School mates participating in the Mount Maunganui Half Marathon, waving coloured balloons, and bringing his best cheering voice.

This year he's putting his running shoes on and pounding the pavement with them.

The school has participated in the half marathon for the past two years as a way for its families to be involved in a community event. Some students run themselves, and those in wheelchairs are pushed by family members.

'Our parents don't always have opportunities to participate in things like this with their kids,” says teacher Jo Crean.

'It's a sporting opportunity where they can do it together as a family and our kids can feel part of the community without a lot of pressure.”

Jo can't speak highly enough of the event organisers who allow the school to compete as a team, waive the entry fee, and give all the participating students a medal on the finish line.

'It makes such a difference to be welcomed.”

A former student, Calais Janes, enjoyed the event so much during his time at the school he is competing as an individual in the 5km event this year.

Each participant will run as much as they can, with family members picking up the remainder of the 21km course.

The 2018 team includes Devon, Flynn Stockdale, Te Rina Gush-Taiperi, Tegan Oxenham, Sebastian Smith, Fabio Taylor-Eynon, Georgia Kemble, and Cruz Turner.

The team will be supported by a vanload of students and staff, including Jo and Devon once he has finished his leg of the course.

'We yahoo the whole way and wave balloons”, says Jo. 'We have a lot of fun supporting our students and families.”

The Mount Maunganui Half Marathon, as well as 5km and 10km options, will be held on Saturday, August 25, departing from Main Beach at 8.30am with prizegiving at 12.30pm. For more information visit www.mountmaunganuihalfmarathon.co.nz

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