Devon Intermediate Students Welcome Visiting American Triathletes
Devon Intermediate School in New Plymouth turned on the stars and stripes when welcoming American triathletes into their school and into their city for the Port Taranaki ITU New Plymouth World Cup on the weekend.
The school visit is part of a programme run by the local organising committee where schools pair up with a visiting country to welcome them into the city and support them on Sunday when racing takes place at Ngamotu Beach and is thanks to the support of one of the event partners, TSB Trust.
Event Director Terry Sheldrake says the visits have gone down a treat.
“TSB Community Trust is the key partner in supporting us in this initiative to engage with the community and in particular the children in New Plymouth so they are aware of the event but also can undertake some learning in the classroom about the sport and the countries that the athletes come from. The Port Taranaki ITU World Cup event is a huge benefit for the region with the number of athletes, support staff and coaches that are visiting the region, contributing to the local economy while they are here. We are indebted to TSB Trust, Venture Taranaki and Port Taranaki for their support but also the athletes for their time and the schools for the energy they have put into this, everyone has engaged with plenty of smiles and enthusiasm in what has been a win-win for all.”
In all 15 schools have taken part in the community initiative, engaging the school children in the sport and at the same time having them understand a little more about the country they are ‘paired’ up with. For the athletes it is essentially rent-a-crowd away from home, with a little colour and support ensured for them during racing on Sunday as children wave national flags and get dressed in various countries national colours – as well as a chance to meet those in the communities in which they are staying and racing and give something back as a thank you for the hospitality they will receive.
The American triathletes were welcomed into the Devon Intermediate School Hall with a huge round of applause as they marched behind USA banners and stars and stripes adorned students, before they were introduced to the assembled students and then engaged in a question and answer session on all things from how long is it since they have been home to what has been the toughest challenge for them to overcome in sport?
The American’s delighted in the efforts of the children, taking time to chat with them and pose for photos while also busy posting their own pictures and comments in social media sites such as Twitter, sending the Devon Intermediate School name around the world and reaffirming New Zealand’s reputation for a friendly and enthusiastic welcome to our international visitors.
Racing took place on Sunday at Ngamotu Beach, New Plymouth.