By Brendan Rees
They may not be old enough to have a driver’s licence yet but students of Tooradin Primary School are hitting the race track
That is, in pedal-powered cars known as Human Powered Vehicle’s (HPV).
Two teams of Grade Five and Grade Six students battled it out for the first race of the 2018 “grand prix” season at the Casey Fields Criterium on Saturday, 3 March.
Students put their endurance skills to the test by pedalling their way around the circuit in their racing vehicles, ‘The Red Rocket’ and ‘The Flamin’ Mozzies’ against teams from across Victoria.
Tooradin Primary School Wellbeing Coordinator Rachel Davis said the event offered teamwork, fitness and fun for all students.
“(They) have been training since the beginning of the school year to build up their fitness and developing knowledge of race strategy in order to be ready for the first race.”
“We value our HPV and Pushcart program as a unique opportunity to develop students’ fitness, resilience and maths and science concepts, as well as crucial life skills of teamwork, confidence, environmental responsibility, and positive mind set,” Ms Davis said.
She said the program helped students set personal goals and gain enormous confidence. “(Each child) worked to challenge themselves and gain strength from their achievements.”
“Everyone was thrilled to compete in the different categories.”
The success of each team, Ms Davis said, was built on the commitment from members of the school community, sponsors who help fund the construction of the vehicles, and the support volunteers.
“We constantly thank all these volunteers for the time and effort they put in to make the races run smoothly.”
“This year is looking like an amazing racing year and we look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.”
