‘A day of fun, fitness, friendship’

About 300 women marched to the beat in Gore on Saturday.

Twenty-eight teams took part in the 29th South Island Leisure Marching Event at the Gore Multisport Complex hosted by the Gore Golden Cavaliers.

Event organiser Julie Chisholm said the event had gone very well.

The day began with marchers gathering to salute any dignitaries that were present, followed by team displays.

The last activity of the day was called the maze march which every team took part in.

Leisure marching was for adults.

‘‘We don’t wear the short skirts any more. We wear long pants.

‘‘It’s just a day of fun, fitness and friendship — that’s our motto.’’

Each team had between seven and 14 members who met regularly to practise marching technique and prepare routines for display.

The routines lasted for up to five minutes but were not judged.

‘‘We just critique the heck out of each other and we know when we’ve done well and when we haven’t.

‘‘We do it because we enjoy it.

‘‘It’s fun.’’

There was a good crowd of spectators at the event.

Cavaliers coach Sue Stenning said marching was good exercise for the brain as well.

‘‘It keeps your mind active remembering counts.’’

The group were looking for anyone who would like to join them.