The photos taken for this magazine and many others are available following publication.

Youth, the future of our nation and the pride of our region. An abundance of talented youngsters in a wide range of sporting achievements have put Gisborne on the map recently. The North Island secondary school championships at Lake Karapiro set the scene. Pupils from our three high schools returned with a fistful of gold, silver and bronze medals after superb performances which had Gisborne's name on everyone's lips. To top it off, Julian Hoogland claimed two titles at the Nationals winning the single sculls by 19 lengths and teaming up with Cameron Pierce to win the under 19 boy's doubles. A great effort by young rowers in a city of twisting and turning rivers. Meanwhile four 1st XV players from Gisborne Boys' High have made the NZ secondary school rugby team with Eugene Morgan named as Captain. One of the four, James Kerr, made his debut for Poverty Bay against Waikato, scoring the Bay's only try and showing the young talent available to coaches in the district. This applies to a wide range of codes such as netball and soccer, where high school pupils have shown they are ready and capable of stepping in and playing at top level. It is time to give youth a go. If these youngsters are prepared to make the commitment, to train and to focus on set goals, then we must encourage them every step of the way. We have the talent, we have the youth. We must provide the incentive and then bask in the accolades which will surely follow.

Editor: Ginny Sherriff.

Photographs: Ross Moodie, Ginny Sherriff

Production and Design: John Stirton.

Administration: Vicki Coley.

Advertising Representative: Ross Moodie

Phone: (06) 867 2262

Fax: (06) 867 7011