The great Blue Light Trolley Derby will roll into action this weekend in Palmerston North and there are only a few days left for people to enter.
The derby will take place on Cashmere Drive (off Aokautere Drive), on Sunday 17 November 2013.
Detective Laurie Howell and Constable Vil Kalivati have organised the event for the past three years.
"It's an event for the community to come together and have some fun and support the Blue Light initiative which does some fantastic work with youth and their families. The event gives some public exposure to the work of emergency services in a fun and safe environment. It also gives Police an opportunity to interact with local youth and the community," says Detective Howell.
There is already some serious competition between the emergency services who challenge each other in the final race of the day.
Blue Light is a nationwide police initiative designed to reduce the chances of young people becoming offenders and to encourage better relations between the police, young people, their families, and the community.
It does this by organising and running a number of supervised activities in an environment free from alcohol, drugs, and violence.
Trolley Derby's have been a feature of those activities over recent years around the country with individuals, companies, and organisations racing homemade trolleys down some serious gradients in Palmerston North.
Public safety is paramount and all trolleys will be scrutinized on the day. Trolleys must have brakes and mechanical steering is preferred. Rope steering is allowed but it must pass an inspection.
All competitors will be required to wear full length clothing including trousers and long sleeves and a minimum of a cycle helmet is required. Elbow and knee pads will be an advantage.
"We are extremely grateful for the support from local radio, the council, and businesses for this event. I encourage everyone to come along for a fun and memorable day out.
"Spots are filling up fast so get your entries in now," says Detective Howell.
The event is held between 10am and 2pm. It is free for spectators and $10 for anyone wanting to enter and race a trolley. Anyone can ride a trolley during the day however they must be wearing safety gear. A sausage sizzle will also be put on.
Funds raised will go to Blue Light.
Registration forms are available from the Palmerston North Police Station or online at www.morefmmanawatu.co.nz
For more information about the derby please contact Detective Laurie Howell on (06) 351 3644 or alternatively Constable Vil Kalivati (06) 351 3691.
For more information about the Blue Light initiative go to www.bluelight.co.nz
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.
