Puzzling World’s involvement has been instrumental in bringing the Challenge Wanaka Junior Challenge to life, inspiring future generations of athletes. With a commitment to youth, fun, and creativity, Puzzling World’s partnership brings energy and encouragement to the event.
Puzzling World's Duncan Spear says "We are extremely proud to continue working with local schools to add a unique dimension to their sports curriculum, encourage an active lifestyle for the region’s youngsters and to foster the growth of triathlon at a grass roots level. We've supported Junior Challenge Wānaka since its inception in 2008, and we're thrilled to continue fostering the growth of this event and bringing enjoyment to thousands of young participants."
Their sponsorship covers three events: the preschoolers’ Mini Challenge, the Intermediate Challenge, and the ever-popular Junior Challenge. Through these events, hundreds of budding triathletes from local schools – including Wānaka Primary, Te Kura O Take Karara, Holy Family, Hawea Flat, Tarras, and Makarora – get a chance to participate, while visiting students are also welcome to join. The Puzzling World Junior Challenge invites students from Years 1 to 6 to experience a safe, fun, and supportive race environment, giving many their first taste of triathlon.
At the core of Challenge Wānaka is a dedication to empowering youth through sport. Each year, the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust subsidises the participation of nearly 2,000 primary and secondary students, promoting healthy lifestyles and imparting values of teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting. This initiative has seen more than 11,000 young athletes participate since 2013, providing profound benefits to physical fitness, confidence, and community spirit.
Jason Cowan, representing Wānaka Primary School, shared his support for the event, saying, “Challenge is an event our entire school participates in, as it fits our mantra of everyone ‘giving things a go’. It is an amazing opportunity for our children to be part of a professionally run event that builds perseverance and supports our kids to ‘be the best they can be’. The smiles and grimaces from our children as they compete against themselves and their friends, no matter how athletic, creates an incredible atmosphere.”
Challenge Wanaka Trust & Event Director Jane Sharman added, “It’s wonderful to have Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka and Puzzling World back as our Youth Event sponsors. Their continued support allows us to inspire young people, create lasting memories, and nurture the next generation of athletes.”
As the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wanaka Festival approaches, the support of Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka and Puzzling World highlights the community spirit that makes this event so special. Participants, families, and spectators can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to these incredible local businesses.
For those wishing to enter the youth events, all local schools will facilitate entries for local students, for those outside the Wānaka region entries will open late November online at www.challenge-wanaka.com
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