There were a few tired faces and sore bodies by the time New Brighton staff cycled into the Central school this afternoon to an enthusiastic welcome by the New Brighton pupils. New Brighton Central school pool is under threat and local Police were on their bikes across the South Island as part of a community effort to raise at least the $30,000 necessary to keep it open.
Sixteen New Brighton police officers and Brian Thompson, Central New Brighton Principal, supported by other police and fire staff, left the beach near Kumara on the West Coast on Monday 12 October, and made it back to Central New Brighton School by 1.30 pm this afternoon.
They cycled coast to coast in a sponsored ride to help raise the money needed for the urgent maintenance necessary to keep the pool operational. Organiser, Community Constable Gary Bombay, says that in this environment surrounded by water, the pool is a key element for water skills and the safety of the whole community.
The appeal has so far raised $38,000 with the cyclists' sponsorship and collecting tins still to be added. The final tally is likely to be near $50,000.