Little people power pays off

By Fiona Berkholz
BERWICK Primary School started the 2009 Human Powered Vehicle season with a triumphant win on Saturday at the Casey Cardinia Cycling Festival at Casey Fields Sporting Complex in Cranbourne.
The event attracted competitors in classes from primary school Grades 5 and 6 to secondary, community and senior community teams aged 35 years and over.
Against older competitors, the primary school teams completed laps over six hours to take first and third places in their category.
Berwick’s Blue-Min Dangerous team came first with two vehicles, clinching the fastest lap time of 3min 59 secs over the 2.2km circuit, reaching an average speed of 33km/h.
The Blue-Min Fast team, affectionately referred to as The Bathtub, took third place.
“We are very proud of our HPV program,” assistant principal Andrew Horsburgh said.
“It is a real bonus for us to win an event.
“The teachers are passionate about the value of the program because of the way it builds team spirit and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.”
Saturday’s event was the first competition for the 2009 HPV team. Students are ineligible to race for Berwick Primary School until they reach Grade 6.
The team of eager students worked together as competitors and pit crew, supporting each other with vociferous cheering from the sidelines.
“It was wonderful to see our children behaving in such a team-oriented and mature fashion, all working together to achieve a common goal,” said parent Sharon van Dijk.
“I’m very proud of them.”
Under the guidance of teachers, the school has competed at all Casey events since the inauguration in 2005.
The HPV program has been operating at the school for 10 years and receives sponsorship.
It has six vehicles and is seeking more sponsors. Students train before school and at the Casey Fields complex on Saturday mornings.
Team members for Blue-Min Dangerous (Caitlin, Lauren, Meaghan, Sarah, Sam Van, James, Michael and Emmett) and for Blue-Min Fast (Elodie, Kimberley, Toni, Benn, Lachlan, James, Liam and Jake) will now step up their training in preparation for the next event, the 2009 Wonthaggi Human Powered Grand Prix at the end of this month.