School sport & gymnastics Best of West’s young talents put on display
Approximately 1,200 school children took part in a day of competitive school sport in the 2018 Summer School Games at the University of Bath. Young people from 52 primary schools and 28 secondary schools put their determination and sporting talent to the test in 11 different sports competitions. A number of county finals took place including Super 6 athletics, mini tennis, gymnastics and rounders, where participants had qualified through local competitions to gain a place at the Summer Games. In addition, a primary inclusive cricket event allowed children with special needs and disabilities the chance to try their hand at skill-based games, and a new secondary fencing event for inactive pupils provided the chance to learn a new sport. The event was officially opened by Andrea Arlidge, chair of trustees for the West of England Sport Trust (Wesport) during an opening ceremony that showcased cultural performances including a dance from Wellsway School and acrobatics from Circomedia. Kadeen Corbin, England netballer and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, delivered an inspiring speech to the young people. Throughout the day athletes also had the opportunity to get involved in a range of new activities in the Gamezone, where local clubs and providers ran a variety of taster sessions including circus skills, kickboxing and outdoor activities. Each competition was delivered by professional coaches from local sports clubs and national governing bodies. This year’s School Games was supported by a cohort of 134 young leaders from nine secondary schools who received pre-event training to help run competitions and undertake other event support roles. They were instrumental to the event’s success. The School Games is a national Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme designed to provide a competitive school sport environment for local school children. Funded by Sport England and organised by Wesport and the local School Games Organisers, the School Games programme provides a competitive school sport structure and pathway for young people in the West of England. Steve Nelson, Wesport CEO, said: “It has been a fantastic day with so many children representing their schools with pride. “The School Games is a great chance for young people to enjoy taking part in sports and compete in a big Olympic style event, right here in the West of England. “We are proud to be able to work with partners to provide them with this opportunity and we hope they will be inspired to take their sports journeys further.” Once again, this year Super 6 Athletics was a huge competition with 24 schools participating in eight different age categories. Teams of six battled it out in a variety of field and track events with their individual scores added together to produce a final team placing. 16 different schools were awarded medals at the end Two mini tennis competitions took place for Year 3&4 and Year 5&6 age groups. Both saw high level tennis played and close matches. This year saw the second year of the Primary Inclusive Cricket event. The pupils had a brilliant day and loved being part of this huge event. Batheaston, Culverhill and Beacon Rise finished first, second and third respectively and were all thrilled to take home medals. Andrea Arlidge, chair of the Wesport Trust Board, added: “This event is so much more than just a sports competition, it is a celebration of young people’s talent. “They are at the absolute heart of the Games – they performed at the opening ceremony, they assisted the competitors and they excelled on the sports field. “I am sure that today, in this sports hall, we have some people who are going to be that next generation of elite athletes.” For more details, visit www.wesport. org.uk/schoolgames or or emailinfo@ wesport.org.uk.