Editorial: Tourney loss is big blow

This morning sees the opening day of the Western Heights High School Invitational Tournament.

For 20 years the event has been widely recognised as the biggest pre-season high school tournament in the country, attracting 60 schools this year from across the North Island.

This year's event runs for three days and includes 13 sporting codes with sporting competitions being held at venues across Rotorua.

It's come along way from the first tournament held back in 1994 with 20 schools competing across seven sports.

However sadly, the event comes to an end on Sunday. The board of trustees made the decision to stop the tournament citing the financial cost of running the event plus the huge volunteer base needed to support it meant it was no longer viable.

I don't blame the trustees' decision but it is sad to think money has got in the road of an event that not only helped build pride, camaraderie and competitiveness, it gave our youth a positive environment to hang out in. I know I'd rather have our youngsters playing sport than hanging around town doing nothing or getting into trouble.

These sorts of events are where our future Olympians, All Blacks, Silver Ferns get their start. It's vital for an event like this to continue. Maybe our Government needs to step in and get involved or perhaps the Rotorua District Council. I'm sure there are economic benefits for our community having 60 schools staying here for three days.