Not only do they excel but they take the skills learnt – focus, commitment, and endurance – into other facets of their lives, including the classroom.” Today, clay target shooting is a full sport at College, with four coaches and a comprehensive training programme, reflected in a proven track record of success. In 2024, 23 boys are involved, shooting between 30,000 and 40,000 targets this year. Team members compete in school, club, district and provincial, island, and New Zealand championships. Over the past five years, the shooting team has had considerable success at regional and national levels, including: • Three boys selected for New Zealand junior teams – 2 x Skeet (2021), 1 x DTL (2024)
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Five selected for South Island teams Two NZ Secondary School Skeet champions (2022/2023) One NZ Secondary School DTL champion (2023) Two Island Secondary School Skeet champions (2022/2023) NZ Secondary Schools Points Teams champions (2021) North and South Island School skeet teams shield and points teams champions
their shooting skills and achieve personal bests or success in competitions can be incredibly satisfying. Celebrating their progress and milestones fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride. Building a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie among students is a significant highlight, including seeing boys support and encourage each other. “Equally, witnessing students grow in confidence and maturity as they take on the challenges of the sport is deeply rewarding. The personal development that comes from mastering a difficult skill like clay target shooting is a highlight. Providing mentorship opportunities for senior students to guide and support younger participants also fosters leadership skills.” Chris also highlights the importance of discipline and focus, explaining that clay target
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• Numerous Canterbury and North and South Island secondary schools awards • Numerous medals and high placings in open (non-school) competitions at district, provincial, island, and national level. “Managing the school clay target shooting programme is both rewarding and challenging,” Chris says. “Watching students develop
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Seven selected as members of winning Canterbury school provincial teams (2020–2023)
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PHILANTHROPY
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