Dash to enter Trolley DerbyTime is running out is you want to take part in one of the most thrilling events to hit Palmerston North - the Blue Light Trolley Derby.
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 Derbys have been a feature of those activities over the last few years in various parts of the country, but this weekend (Saturday, 16 May) will see the first event to descend on Palmerston North.
The event is exactly what it says on the tin, a race in home made trolleys down Pork Chop Hill on Cliff Road, Palmerston North.
The more competitive among the entrants have been busy beavering away on high-tech, high-class, mean machines while others are heading down the simple, but effective, route.
Public safety is obviously paramount and all trolleys will be scrutinized on the day. Trolleys must have brakes and mechanical steering is preferred. Rope steering may be allowed by ONLY on the short course.
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.
The event starts at 10am and runs until 4pm culminating in an Emergency Services Challenge. At the moment this involves a race between police, fire and ambulance but rumour has it that the army may be building their own secret weapon, so watch this space ....
Organiser Detective Laurie Howell said: "For us the event is a great way to give the work of the emergency services some public exposure in a fun and safe environment. Hopefully it will help to show the community our human side, and help us to break down barriers, particularly with local youngsters."
Teams from as far away as Wellington have entered the event so the response has been huge. There are only a couple of days left if you want to join in.
Contact Laurie Howell or Vil Kalivati at Palmerston North Police Station on 06 351 3600 for more details.
For more information about the Blue Light initiative go to www.bluelight.co.nz.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.