WIMMERA schools will compete in the state’s premier human-powered vehicle event again this year – but under a new name.
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Schools have sent teams to the RACV Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough for years, however RACV announced this week it had withdrawn its sponsorship of the event after 26 years.
The Energy Breakthrough will still continue, with Central Goldfields Shire Council and the Country Education Partnership committed to the initiative.
Council chief executive Lucy Roffey said the council had no concerns about attracting a new sponsor for the breakthrough.
The 2018 event is locked in for November 21 to 25.
Horsham West Primary School principal Andrew Parry said he was not worried about the future of the event.
“It’s really just that identity that will change and the branding,” he said.
“The actual event I would imagine won’t change, given how popular it is.”
Schools in Horsham, Warracknabeal, St Arnaud, Stawell and Great Western are among those who have sent teams to the challenge in the past.
Mr Parry said Horsham West students had already kicked off their 2018 racing season.
“We went to Mount Gambier in the first week of the school holidays and took two teams,” he said.
“We took 16 children, and there were 70 teams in total competing across a range of categories.
"For a period one of our teams was leading the trace.
“We were in the pits alongside a Horsham College team, which was great.
“Both the college and Horsham West had teams that finished third.”
Mr Parry said students would ride in an exhibition event in Ballarat at the weekend.
“We were invited to take part in that,” he said.
“Then we will be going to Loxton in a few weeks and taking three teams.
“The human-powered vehicle program has really evolved here. We started with one cart last year, and now have three.
“We'll race in Adelaide in July and we'll have four carts there – possibly five – and a parent and community team racing.”
Mr Parry said the program gave students a chance to learn more about themselves.
“They push themselves fairly hard,” he said.
“It's engaging too for them, and also for parents as they get to learn a bit more about what students are doing.
“It's also created an opportunity for us to engage with our business community. The students are out and about seeking sponsorship, but it’s a two-way process because they are also keen to learn how they can help promote the business community more through the school.”
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
