09 Jul Record number of Essex primary school pupils compete in Summer Sports Events!
A record number of over 600 pupils from 55 Essex primary schools have competed in the Active Essex Summer School Games.
The games, which took place at the Basildon Sporting Village, saw parents watch on as their children took part in a wide range of events and sporting activities, including QuadKids athletics, netball, swimming and gymnastics.
The West Ham Foundation led the mini games festival for KS1 & KS2 pupils, along with Active Essex Coach Core apprentices and young leaders.
Azeem Akhtar, Active Essex Chair, commented; “As part of our strategy to get one million lives active, we are committed to motivating children and adults alike to get active and take part in regular physical activity. With recent statistics showing only 17% of primary age children are active every day, it becomes even more important that we inspire children from a young age.
“It was great to see so many pupils from different schools across the county working as a team. trying out new sports and building new friendships.”
Simon Silva-Peake from Tudor Court Primary School, Grays said: “It’s my first time at the School Games and it has amazed me how big it is! The students are absolutely loving the day and its great to see all the students enjoying participating in physical activity.”
Along with the Summer School Games, 14 Essex schools took part in the 5th Special School Games, hosted by the Multi-Schools Council in collaboration with Active Essex. The inclusive event is designed for students with special needs or disabilities who are encouraged to take part in a range of sports and activities, from archery and athletics to New Age Kurling and Boccia.
Kierran Pearce, head of the Multi-Schools Council and an Active Essex All-Together ambassador, said: “The School Games provide the opportunity for students to try out fun new sports and activities that may not be available at their own schools. Today has been great for all involved and everyone’s enjoying themselves as you can see by the smiles on their faces!”
The School Games are part of Active Essex’s core programme to engage with children and inspire them to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
Both events were supported by Essex School Games Organisers, All Together ambassadors and young leaders from Ormiston Park Academy, William Edwards School and James Hornsby School.
Dawn Emberson, Active Essex Children and Young People lead, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to see the students of Essex both competing at and supporting our School Games events this summer. We’ve received fantastic feedback once again from all involved and we hope the events have encouraged and inspired these young people to remain involved in sport and physical activity.”
