Tough Kid Tops 5,000 for First Time
MASH Tough Kid
Over the past seven years, a simple end of term challenge for Christchurch kids has taken on much greater meaning – for schools determined to build resilience and show students that being active has massive benefits.
Sport Canterbury’s annual MASH Tough Kid challenge has attracted over 5,100 entries in 2019 – an increase of over 100% since 2012.
It is believed to be the largest primary school participation event in New Zealand, originally inspired to keep participation alive in post-quake Christchurch.
According to Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon, the increase reflects a growing interest by Canterbury schools in the benefits of keeping kids active – to promote healthy habits, reduce screen time and improve mental health.
Primary and Intermediate School students from as far north as Hanmer Springs to as far west as Windwhistle are represented in these staggering numbers.
The 2.7km course features waterslides, mud pits, inflatable obstacles, tyre runs and winds through the forest and follows the estuary, finishing in South New Brighton Domain.
Event Coordinator, Isaac Sutherland has been thrilled to see the numbers exceed his expectations. “It has been so exciting to see the number of schools getting involved with this special event. We have schools that have been with us from the beginning, schools who send the entire roll, and new schools who have come on board to sample what the event has to offer.”
To manage the numbers, there will be a morning and afternoon session on both days that will accommodate approximately 1,500 students. Schools will start the event in their schools and will be released in waves of 150 students.
The event is open to all year 3 – 8 Primary School students, including those who may face a variety of challenges in their everyday life.
Mary Gillies, teacher from Seabrook McKenzie Centre for Specific Learning Disabilities has been impressed by the inclusiveness and environment at MASH Tough Kid in the past.
"One year, a student from our school really struggled to climb up the ladder on the slide at the end of the course. He was one of the last students, but the other children participating cheered him on and helped him over. He did it and got a big cheer from the crowd. It was a huge sense of accomplishment for him.”
Event information - https://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/Events/MASH-Tough-Kid
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