Pupils Game for two days of top action

SCHOOL SPORT

THE biannual County Durham Level Three School Games is this year launching a second day of competition - with the addition of a standalone basketball tournament.

The event, which allows both primary and secondary-aged school pupils to compete, will take place at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursday.

Head coach of the Doncaster Danum Eagles basketball team Bob Martin will be delivering masterclass sessions throughout the day.

One hundred school pupils from across County Durham are then due to gather at venues across the county for day two of the Games on Friday.

On that day, former Olympic swimmer Chris Cook (pictured below) and Olympic gymnast Paula Thomas will be sharing their sporting experiences with competitors.

The Games will be staged at four venues - incuding the North Durham Academy and the Louisa Centre, both in Stanley.

It will feature nine sports boccia, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, disability swimming, table tennis, dodgeball, tag rugby and netball.

Twenty young leaders will also be volunteering at the Games after undergoing training through County Durham Sport’s Leadership and Volunteering scheme.

The young leaders will help to referee and officiate the competitions alongside School Games organisers.

Ian Gardiner, Executive Manager at County Durham Sport, said: “The Level Three Winter School Games is a fantastic event.

“Year on year we see young people showcasing their talents, both as participants and as leaders.

“It is great to be able to celebrate their hard work and determination.

“The School Games simulates a mini-Olympics and gives the children an excellent opportunity to feel what it is ike to be an elite athlete.

“We are especially looking forward to the new standalone basketball event.”