Most of us will remember the exact moment we tied our shoelace for the first time. That sense of achievement welling inside, the realisation we can do anything with enough practice. Building this growth mindset is essential for children’s development, boosting our self esteem and motivating us to try new things. Achievements, even small ones, teach us that effort and persistence lead to success – building resilience and confidence which lasts a lifetime.

When we intentionally align achievement with physical activity from an early age, we are setting the foundations for healthy and active lives. Schools play a critical role, through physical education programs and extracurricular activities.

At Arahoe School, teachers deeply understand the importance of aligning achievement with physical activity. Arahoe School Deputy Principal, Vanessa Jansz, continues.

“Each year, we support tamariki in participating in the Auckland Marathon—with a unique twist. Children aged five to eleven run 40km over eight weeks leading up to the event, then complete the final 2.2km on marathon day. Cheered on by thousands, they cross the finish line to the excitement of friends and family waiting on the other side. This year, we asked Sport Waitākere to support tamariki in their training. We wanted them to feel well-equipped and excited for the training ahead.”

Understanding what outcomes, they were wanting to achieve, Sport Waitākere Sector Support Advisor, Daniel Nicol, was able to make local connections. Nicol continues.

“From the outset, we clearly understood what Arahoe School was hoping to achieve for the tamariki – a fun and inclusive way for children to train for the long runs ahead of, and on the day of, the Auckland Marathon. Knowing our rohe (region) sports clubs meant I was able to join the dots between their goals and the likeminded people of Waitākere Triathlon and Multisport Club.”

Together, Arahoe School and Waitākere Triathlon and Multisport Club organised three afterschool training sessions incorporating stretching, pacing, breathing, play and rest days. WTMC President Rainbow Morris, continues.

“With the tamariki in mind, we developed an eight-week training program specifically designed to help them confidently take every step of the 42.2km Auckland Marathon.  The program centred on hitting the pavement to have fun with friends and celebrating the milestones along the way as a team.”

By November 3rd, the day of the Auckland Marathon, the tamariki were eager and ready to take on the challenge. Drawing on their training, each child paced themselves through the 2.2km course, crossing the finish line with arms raised high in triumph. The pride and sense of accomplishment they felt that day will stay with them for years to come.

Georgia Cluitt, Head of Sport at Arahoe School reflected on the impact the partnership has had with the taramiki;

"We loved having the support and guidance from Waitākere Triathlon and Multisport Club, who designed a program to build our students' stamina for race day. The program helped increase the running time of all the students, and even challenged our students who were a part of other running and athletic clubs. This program is something fun that will be shared with teachers leading up to our school’s future cross country and interzones and especially for the next marathon too. "

Article added: Thursday 12 December 2024