Bay kids to get stuck in the mud

About 800 children from Years 3-8 will take on Tuesday’s challenge at BayPark. The action from a previous Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge. Photo: Supplied.

The aim is to get as muddy as possible and to have fun doing it.

The Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge returns to Tauranga on Tuesday June 14 – with organisers crediting a grant from New Zealand Community Trust with enabling more kids to enter.

'If we didn't have the financial support from NZCT, we couldn't keep the entry fee as low as we have,” says Get Kids Active Charitable Trust secretary Aimee Wright. 'We're very grateful.”

About 800 children from Years 3-8 will take on Tuesday's challenge at BayPark, Mount Maunganui –described as an extreme cross country that involves scrambling through massive mud pits and crawling under cargo nets.

The course starts in the grass carpark and heads out into farmland behind the stadium. The event will also raise awareness and fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

'Some kids start by tiptoeing around the course but by the end they've really got into the spirit of it and are covered in mud. Some are rolling around in the puddles. It's all about fun and getting involved.”

For the NZCT, awarding the grant to Get Kids Active was an easy decision.

'We like the emphasis on lowering barriers to participation and enabling kids to do something they don't normally have the opportunity to do,” says communications manager Don Martin. 'We're so impressed with the work the trust is doing in the community.”

It's a race to the end, but no one is keeping time. In fact, sportsmanship is more of a focus.

'The kids help each other out. We've got about a thousand kids on the course with a range of abilities so if they see someone struggling, they pitch in and help. The course is a great way to get active in a fun way,” says Aimee.

The grant of almost $13,000 will be used for venue hire, sound systems, lighting and equipment on the obstacle course.

'We want to give the kids a professional event that's run at a high standard. There is a safety briefing beforehand, showers afterwards and marshals on hand at each obstacle to help.

'They don't need any special equipment or gear. It means more kids can take part and we love that," says Aimee.

'They start off looking a little nervous and cross the finish line with the biggest smiles.”

For more information on the event, visit: https://eventpromotions.co.nz/junior-tough-guy-and-gal-challenge/#tj

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1 comment

GREAT STUFF

Posted on 13-06-2022 08:25 | By Yadick

This is absolutely awesome. Letting kids be kids the good ol' way. No greenies and cottonwool here. I can just see a kid tip toeing the course and then suddenly, like the dog in the Barry Crump ad, 'BUGGER' GREAT STUFF, GO FOR IT. To the organizers - good on you, well done.


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