Schools shout pride at Maadi Cup parade
Cambridge was filled with colour and noise today as schools contesting the Maadi regatta paraded through town.
Hundreds of enthusiastic high school rowers took over the Cambridge streets this afternoon, wearing their school colours with pride at the annual Maadi Parade.
They chanted, battled and danced, showing off their eagerness before racing begins tomorrow.
With their school banners held high and mascots beside them, they marched in front of large crowds filled with parents, coaches and members of the public, all cheering them on and taking photos.
The schools assembled at lunchtime at Cambridge Primary School, then walked from Wilson Street to Victoria Street, ending at Victoria Square where officials began the formalities.
MC Benjamin Hemi opened the parade ceremony with a welcome, followed by Waipa District Councillor John Bishop.
“Best wishes for the regatta, and to the competitors, go hard, make your communities proud, make yourselves proud, make your schools and colleges proud, but make friends and enjoy above all,” Bishop said.
New Zealand rowers Sophie MacKenzie and Caleb Shepherd also spoke to the students, sharing their highlights and experiences as former Maadi athletes.
“Having fun and a good time outweighs the stress and putting too much emphasis on performance,” MacKenzie said.
“You have to go and have a good time, enjoy yourself, also push yourself and encourage your team mates.”
Team mascots entertained in a dance off, while MacKenzie and Shepherd judged the annual banner competition.
They declared a draw with St Hildas’ Collegiate and Cambridge High School sharing honours.
Captain of Dunedin’s St Hildas’ Collegiate rowing team, Eliza Adams, said it was awesome to jointly win the banner competition.
“We spent two days on the banner, lunchtimes and after school,” she said.
A haka challenge was also introduced at the parade, beginning with the winners of last year’s Maadi Cup, Hamilton Boys’ High School.
Any schools were open to challenge last year’s winners, resulting in multiple haka encounters as the crowds gathered close to the action.
Hamilton Boys’ High School stood their ground, with a lot of passion. They were the loudest and biggest group during the haka.
New Zealand Rowing marketing and communications manager and Maadi organiser Margaret Timms said the parade was an outstanding success.
“It was great to have all the mascots, banners, the rowers and their supporters involved and welcomed to Cambridge officially,” Timms said.
“Most large international events have an opening ceremony and it is great to bring all of the rowers together to celebrate the 2015 Aon Maadi Cup commencing.”
Races begin at Lake Karapiro tomorrow and run throughout the week, with finals on Friday and Saturday.
