NZSSAA Cross Country Championships, Hawera 2020 have been cancelled
The NZSSAA Executive have taken what we know will be a very disappointing decision for all of the individual athletes and teams who have entered or intended entering for our Cross Country and Cross Country Relay Championships on September 19-20. We had hoped that community transmission of covid-19 might have stopped and that NZ would have been able to move into Alert Level 1 status by September 6. Unfortunately, the announcement by the Prime Minister that NZ would be staying in Alert level 2 (and 2.5 for Auckland) until September 16 made it too uncertain a situation for us to proceed. The last thing we would want would be to hold an event which could possibly help the spread of the virus and, knowing that the number of people attending would far exceed the Alert Level 2 limits no matter how effective our separation of groups around the course might be, cancellation became the only acceptable decision. Executive would like to thank everyone intending to come to Hawera for their support of our event. Your interest in taking part is very much appreciated. Particular thanks to the Taranaki based Local Organising Committee who have really worked hard to provide what would have been an outstanding event. Executive have decided that the 2021 Cross Country Championships will now be in Hawera on June 19-20. A memo will be sent to schools who have paid entry and affiliation fees regarding their reimbursement. |
Cross Country and Cross Country Relay Championships, Hawera, September 19-20
The NZSSAA Executive are pleased to be able to confirm that our championships will be held on the weekend of September 19-20 in Hawera as long as New Zealand is able to remain in Covid-19 alert Level 1. Our date has been accepted by School Sport NZ and fits in well with the changes to Athletics NZ’s winter calendar. Please be aware that September 19 is the date of the General Election and those attending the championships who are eligible to vote should consider completing their voting earlier. |
2020 NZSSAA Cross Country Championships Hawera
It is with regret we announce the SUSPENSION of the NZSSAA Cross Country and Cross Country Relay Championships due be held in Hawera on the weekend of June 20/21. NZSSAA Executive are working with School Sport NZ and in liaison with Athletics NZ on confirming a replacement date. The proposed date is Saturday & Sunday 19/20 September subject to possible COVID-19 Level restrictions of the Government and School Sport NZ sanctioning. This will be confirmed as soon as possible under the current situation we all face in New Zealand. NZSSAA are aware that this weekend has no major Athletics NZ events scheduled and the facilities needed in Hawera are available that weekend. Saturday, September 19 is scheduled as the date of the General Election which means having the cross country that day will be of some inconvenience to voters although postal and early voting, as well as special voting, will be available in Hawera and other Taranaki centres. The NZSSAA Executive understands the disappointment this postponement will cause our athletes, their families, coaches and managers who will have been preparing and planning to take part but given the likelihood that significant restrictions on movement and close association with other people will still be in place into May and June it was felt it was better to provide as much certainty as is possible at this time. We are very keen to hold the championships this year if at all possible hence the suspension decision rather than cancellation at this stage. It is hoped that travel and accommodation plans can be changed to the proposed date without incurring significant expense and disruption but please email oe@nzssaa.org.nz with any concerns you have or issues you encounter. |
Cancellation of the North Island and South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships for 2020
In support of the announcement made by School Sport NZ last evening 16 March on the suspension of the National School Sport Calendar until 6 April, NZSSAA advises that the North Island and South Island Secondary Schools events scheduled for 4th – 5th April in Hamilton and Christchurch respectively have been cancelled. We understand that this will lead to disappointment for many in our athletics community, however we fully support the stance of Government and School Sport NZ in the interest of the health and well-being of our students, teachers, schools, officials, volunteers, coaches, family members and others in attendance. Regional bodies with upcoming events can make an appropriate decision, in consultation with their schools, if their events involve less than 500 people. Athletics NZ have provided some very good information for those intending to continue with their events in terms of advice and precautions which can be obtained by emailing oe@nzssaa.org.nz. Tony Rogers |
Hughes Memorial Cross Country
This event is now cancelled, but should be back again next year. The Hughes Memorial Cross Country will be held on the 2020 Secondary Schools’ Cross Country course, on Saturday 30 May. The first race will begin at 1pm. This is an inter-club cross country event, traditionally for ANZ-registered athletes, however last year and this year again it will be open to high school students as well. More information to come later, otherwise contact Miranda Elliot (simonelliott@xtra.co.nz ). |
North Island Champs Information
The North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships will be held in Hamilton, April 4-5. |
South Island Champs Information
The South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships will be held in Christchurch, April 4-5. |
Congratulations to Alan Hamilton who was recognised in the New Year Honours Awards 2020
Congratulations to Alan Hamilton of Dunstan High School, former executive member of NZSSAA and long-time athletics coach who was recognised in the New Year Honours Awards 2020 with a QSM for services to athletics and youth. |
NZSSAA Team to the Australian Track and Field Championships
Congratulations to the athletes selected to represent NZ Secondary Schools at the Australian Track and Field Championships, Sydney, March 21-24. |
Barry Magee becomes NZSSAA Patron
Olympic Marathon Bronze medallist in 1960 and very successful long time Athletics coach, Barry Magee MNZM, was appointed Patron of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Association at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Barry is pictured here with Tony Rogers, NZSSAA President, being congratulated after receiving his Patrons Badge. We are honoured to have Barry accept the position and wish him well as an inspiration to our athletes and their coaches.
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Championship Results
Due to the very poor weather conditions including thunderstorms and heavy rain the Road Race Championships were cancelled. The NZSSAA Executive would like to express our sincere regret that this occurred and fully appreciate the disappointment of all the athletes entered to race and the mangers, coaches and parents supporting them.
If you notice any errors in the results, please email oe@nzssaa.org.nz |
Whanganui Cooks Classic 18 Jan 2020
The Whanganui Cooks Classic will be held Saturday 18 January at Cooks Gardens, Whanganui. Features include ANZ U20 3,000m, 400m Handicap run, seeded 100m races, and a mile relay for men, women and mixed teams. |
5 September 2020 8:10am 