Feet first for human power

Tom in the HPV at Casey Fields. 135740

By BRIDGET SCOTT

STUDENTS from Tooradin Primary School put the pedal to the metal when the school entered three teams into the first Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) competition for the year.
Teams from across the state, including one interstate side, gathered at Casey Fields on the last weekend of February ahead of six hours of speed and manoeuvring.
Tooradin Primary School entered two student teams and one community team to give parents the chance a go at keeping up.
Early years co-ordinator Rachel Davies said students participated in intensive training in the lead up to the event to develop their fitness, team work and understanding of the event.
She said students worked towards helping each other, devising strategies and encouraged each other through all their achievements.
“Winning the race isn’t as important as setting personal goals and helping each other to pace themselves,” Ms Davies said.
“This is only the first in a series of races throughout the year including Wonthaggi, Knox, Bendigo and Maryborough and each race track has its own challenges and thrills.”
Following their first competition for the year, students from Tooradin will now prepare for the next race by learning about healthy diets to fuel their bodies, exercise to build muscle capacity and learn about the qualities that make a good team.“This program promotes so many valuable life skills but above all else it is great fun,” Ms Davies said.
“We were immensely proud of how well all our students participated in the race and their excitement and commitment will serve them well for the next event.”