Events: Demonstration

• Athletic Events
• Cycling Events
• Skateboarding & Inline Skating Events
• Demonstration Events
  1. Track-ball
  2. Pattern Running
• Exhibition Events
• The Host City Event
• The Host Country Event
• Other Events

• Competitor Registration - receive email updates for competitors
• Spectator Registration - receive email updates for spectators

Demonstration events are new events being considered for inclusion in future Fringe Games programs. Where it is felt that athletes will need to see an event demonstrated in order to be able to adequately prepare for it, it will be demonstrated as part of the Games program by two or more competitors or teams prior to its possible inclusion in a future Games program. Demonstration events for the New Zealand Fringe Games will include two team events: track-ball and pattern running.

Track-ball

Top

Track-ball is similar to basketball or netball except that it is played on a standard 400m athletic track and there no goals. In order to score, players must advance the ball by passing it to each other round the track, until the ball crosses the opposing team's scoring line from a designated score shooting area. Players may only take two steps with the ball before passing it, and must stay within their assigned lane. There are four players to a team, with one team in lanes 1, 3, 5, & 7, and the other in lanes 2, 4, 6, & 8. Track-ball is a fast game which moves rapidly back and forth along the track with players often throwing the ball considerable distances to their team mates who sprint ahead in an effort to gain maximum advantage. It is especially exciting to watch from the elevated vantage point of the stands, as this angle affords a great view of the tactics involved in the game. Track-ball can be played either by men or women, or in mixed teams. Full rules will be available soon.

Pattern Running

Top

Pattern running, sometimes called track ballet, is akin to figure skating and involves six team members completing one circuit of the track in a set time, whilst performing a number of complex interconnecting maneuvers to a piece of music of their choice. A panel of judges will award points for style, technical difficulty, choreography, and creativity. Music has not been part of a track event before, and this, combined with the fluid grace of the team's ever changing forms, is expected to make pattern running one of the most dynamic athletic events at the Fringe Games. This event harks back to the spirit of the ancient Greek Olympics where finishing first did not ensure victory. Style, rhythm and grace were considered at least as important as beating the opposition and winners were decided after each event following deliberation by the judges.

---