Students at seven Darwin schools will today attempt an aviation-themed world record, as part of celebrations marking the centenary of the 1919 Great Air Race from London to Darwin.

From 8.30am, students will be attempting to break the record for the most people making paper aircrafts simultaneously across multiple venues.

The world record is currently set at 1943. Students are looking to surpass that number with flying colours, with about 3500 participants expected to take part in the attempt.

Students at Darwin Middle School, Darwin High School, along with primary school students at Parap, Larrakeyah, Nightcliff, Ludmilla and Stuart Park are all taking part in the event.

A special adjudicator from Guinness World Records will be in Darwin specifically to oversee the world record attempt.

The record attempt has been inspired by the 1919 Great Air Race, which Ross and Keith Smith won when they piloted the first successful flight from England to Australia, landing in Darwin in less than 30 days.

To find out more information about the Great Air Race Centenary program of events, visit www.ntmajorevents.com.au/great-air-race/. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Great Air Race is an important part of Darwin’s aviation history and it is exciting to see our schools getting involved in the centenary celebrations.

One hundred years ago the Great Air Race aviators achieved an incredible record, so Darwin students achieving their own world record is a great way to recognise this remarkable milestone.

“Involving schools in events such as the Great Air Race Centenary gives students a fantastic opportunity to learn about the history of Darwin.”

Quotes attributable to Parap Primary School Principal, Yvonne Harding.

“Parap Primary School is really excited to be a part of the world record attempt in honour of the Great Air Race Centenary.

“The Great Air Race is very important to Parap Primary School as our school houses are named after the incredible aviators involved in the Great Air Race - Smith, Shiers, Bennett and Hudson.

“It’s fantastic that our students can learn about the Great Air Race and its significance to Darwin’s history, while also getting to make their own history in the form of a world record.”

Quotes attributable to Guinness World Records Adjudicator, Solvej Malouf.

“A world record attempt is a great way for students in Darwin to celebrate the achievements of the Great Air Race.

“Guinness World Records is really happy to be able to be in Darwin today to be a part of the event.

“I’d like to wish all participants good luck in their attempt and hope that they all have a lot of fun.”

Media Contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144