Hyndburn schools go for gold in Blackpool

PUPILS from schools across Hyndburn took part in the largest youth sporting event in the county this week after months of battling it out in a range of sports to secure places in the SPAR Lancashire School Games county finals.

More than 2,400 youngsters from 15 county districts took part in the event at Stanley Park in Blackpool, bidding to be crowned champions in sports including rounders, tennis, orienteering, netball, athletics and gymnastics, as well as two new sports for 2016 – tri golf and duathlon.

Team Hyndburn, which scooped a medal a gold medal in girls’ football at the 2015 county finals, were represented by Peel Park Primary School pupils in gymnastics and orienteering, while St Christopher’s Church of England High School pupils also have a double chance of success as they went for glory in tee ball and girls’ cricket.

Also hoping to bag a coveted medal were students from Accrington Academy, who were set to compete in girls’ rounders and inclusive football, while St Anne’s and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School pupils were due to take to the courts hoping for a victory in mini tennis.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School, The Hollins Technology College and Moor End Primary School were competing in tag rugby, handball, super eight athletics and high five netball.

Jane Johnson, who is the school games organiser for Hyndburn and arranged the events, said: “It’s been a fantastic few months of sporting events in the lead up to the county finals, and Hyndburn has built up a really strong team. Good luck to all pupils, I can’t wait to cheer you on as you go for gold.”