Primary school children in years three to six raced their hearts out at the annual interschool athletics carnival on Friday, and this year a new team entered the mix.
The event welcomed a Mallee schools’ side. The team comprised of students from Munglinup, Cascade, Scaddan, Salmon Gums, Condingup and Esperance Christian primary school.
Students were selected to compete at the carnival based on their qualifications at the Mallee interschool competition last week.
Cascade Primary principal Ash Weckert said he was stoked with the Mallee Schools performance. They came third place behind Esperance Primary (first) and Castletown Primary (second).
“Lots of kids got [podium] places. We had two champion students – Hudson in year six and Aleisha was runner up in the year 5 girls,” Mr Weckert said.
“It’s great to be challenged against town kids.”
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary (OLSOTS) hosted this year’s tournament.
OLSOTS PE teacher, Anna Swan, organised the carnival with the help of the school’s admin team, teachers and PE staff from all schools taking part.
Ms Swan said it was a “fantastic day” for everyone involved.
“We had perfect weather and all our plans came together for the event,” Ms Swan said.
“I’m really happy with how the day ran and grateful for every single person who helped as we couldn’t do it without them.”
Ms Swan said the students enjoyed competing against others outside of their school.
“It is always fun getting together with their peers and yelling chants as loud as possible,” she said.
“A lot of students get nervous before their races, and they are left feeling empowered after getting out of their comfort zone.”
OLSOTS Principal Luke Shaw said he liked watching all the events but one set of races stood out to him the most.
“I think [my favourite] is the long-distance running races. I like seeing the preparations and the way each student runs the race,” Mr Shaw said.
Cascade principal Mr Weckert liked the team-focussed races.
“I think [my favourite] was the running relays. There were some really close finishes and our kids did pretty well,” Mr Weckert said.
“They weren’t able to practice together in the relays or the ball games so they did really well.”
The athletics carnival was held on the last day of the school term.
Several families were at the oval soaking up the sun and cheering on their children.
