The battle resumes
Cactus youth students are back pounding the pavement after Covid-19 restrictions halted the course days out from graduation day.
Thirty students were instead encouraged to maintain their fitness of their own accord when the programme was interrupted in March, two weeks before the scheduled completion.
The programme, which involves Hato Pa¯roa College and Feilding High School students, is run by Feilding Police, the Manawatu¯ District Council and hakea air base staff.
It is designed to grow students’ leadership skills and physical capability, with an emphasis on teamwork, respect, selfdiscipline and raising self-esteem.
The course is now back on track, with students attending three sessions each week between 6am and 8am.
The physical sessions are followed by a hearty breakfast, cooked by community volunteers, and amotivational speaker.
The students are now gearing up for the final day of the eight-week challenge on Sunday, which involves a series of demanding physical and psychological challenges.
‘‘These activities are held around Feilding so that our community, sponsors and family members can watch,’’ Manawatu¯ mayor Helen Worboys said.
The day concludes with a graduation ceremony and dinner for participating students, their families and sponsors.
Members of the public are encouraged to watch students complete the final obstacles, usually in the town square, on the final day.