Super Sixes kick off in style with 650 children

Marcus Pomare from Parkvale Primary on his way to score against out-of-towners Weber during day one of the Super Sixes tournament. Photo / Warren Buckland

The inaugural Super Sixes tournament kicked off yesterday with 650 year-six primary students taking part in the three-day sporting extravaganza.

There are 20 schools entered from Hastings/Napier and three out of town primaries to compete in rugby, netball, football, hockey, basketball, swimming, athletics and cross-country.

The majority of these events will be hosted at the The Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.

Event director Malcolm Dixon said he was "over the moon" at how day one went.

"It was absolutely awesome, the kids loved it.

"The visiting schools didn't realise how much fun they were going to have."

Peterhead Primary in Flaxmere were a dominant force on day one, taking out the rugby, basketball and netball competitions.

TKKM o Te Ara Whanui from Upper Hutt didn't go home empty-handed, winning the netball plate.

Dixon hopes the event will grow and next year will see 2,000 students take part.

He also hopes to have a "Summer Super Sixes" tournament.

"We're convinced this will become a very successful annual event," Mr Dixon said.

Each year there will also be a demonstration sport.

This year was canoe polo, which will now be considered for inclusion on the main competition list.

Today will see teams compete in hockey, football and swimming (at the Flaxmere pools). Tomorrow will comprise cross-country and athletics followed by an Olympic-style closing ceremony.