Super sporty and supportive: Coffs Coast Homeschool Athletics Carnival

COFFS Home Education Athletics Carnival attracted over 100 participants (Kindy-Year 12) from all along the Coffs Coast.

Following last year’s successful inaugural carnival, the event returned to York Street Oval on Friday 19 September.

While there were sprint and long distance races, long jump, shot put, discus, javelin, relay races and novelty events, event organiser Kath Chislett told News Of The Area that it was also “nothing like a typical carnival”.

“The heart of homeschooling was clearly on display; there were heartwarming moments, confidence built within parents and students, and amazing displays of character seen.”

One moment summed it all up, as three competitive nine-year-old boys ran the 800m, stopping just short of the finish line to hold hands and step over it together.

There were eight-year-olds coaching six-year-olds to pace themselves in the 400m, three-year-olds and four-year-olds joining in a race just to give it a go, and parents running with their kids.

New this year was the participant-requested parents vs kids relay race and tug o’ war.

“We won’t say who won both, all I’ll say is that the cheer from the kids was probably heard at the Jetty.”

There was much participant feedback with accolades for the spirit and smooth running of the event.

“Ours is not an organisation, we’re not a paid corporation, we’re just mums, dads, grandparents and carers that make a beautiful community all having one goal in mind; to raise our children so that they can succeed in whatever they put their mind to and, in doing so, be positive contributors to our society,” Kath said.

“There are many amazing parents who put up their hand to make a great experience happen for our home-schooled kids.

“If you’re thinking or planning on homeschooling and want to join our amazing community you can find us on Facebook under Coffs Coast Home Ed Connections.”

By Andrea FERRARI