Nippers Carnival a “sea of pink”

by Nerissa Legge, Junior Activities Co-ordinator 

What a weekend! Rainbow Beach played host to 819 nipper competitors from Hervey Bay to Redcliffe during our nipper carnival. Numbers were a little down on last year but still a large sea of pinkies converged on our beach over the two days.

A special thanks must go to Gympie Regional Council for their support during the carnival.
I have to also mention a huge thank you to ALL the volunteers who helped ensure a successful two- day carnival.

Officials, age managers, team managers, water safety, first aid, and especially those who gave their time to help out in our BBQ tent. Keeping everyone including officials, Nipper teams and families fed over the two days was a huge task.

Onto our Nippers… We had 12 nippers represent Rainbow Beach over the two days. These guys needed to pass their Competition Competencies in order to participate in the event in some pretty tough ocean conditions leading up to the carnival. This I’m sure has helped, as the ocean was testing over the two days.

I must congratulate them all on their camaraderie, team spirit, support they showed each other, and outstanding behaviour.

Saturday saw our nippers compete in the Individual Carnival with tremendous results in testing ocean conditions and fierce competition. Everyone gave it their best and with some amazingly outstanding results:
Under 10
Jasmin White        1st Heat Beach Sprints, 2nd Final Beach Sprints, 2nd Deep Water Wades
Under 11
Archie Gilmore     Semi Final Beach Sprints, Final of Surf Swim
Annie White         Final Surf Swim, Final Beach Sprints
Lily Wintle-Legge  Final Surf Swim, Semi-Final Flags
Under 12
Alex Brantz           Final Beach Sprints
Sophie Schooth     Final Beach Sprints
Under 13
Abby Schooth      Final Boards, Qualified Surf Swim Final

Congratulations to all participants.

On the Sunday, Rainbow Beach held the teams carnival. Once again this year, the windy ocean conditions were extremely testing.

James Worthington, Sophie Schooth, Hugh and Archie Gilmore gave it their all and participated well.

I must congratulate Hugh and Archie Gilmore for completing their relevant Irons Events. This is no easy task! Well done boys.

Once again, thank you to all involved.