YOUNGSTERS from Redditch schools enjoyed a day to remember at the annual Worcestershire Summer School Games, where St Bede’s Catholic High and Ridgeway Academy secured county titles.
More than 1,000 children and young people from schools across Worcestershire took part in the day-long extravaganza at Bromsgrove School.
The children, ranging in age from seven to 18, battled it out for the title of Worcestershire School Games champion in eight different sports – cricket, rounders, tri golf, boccia, archery, swimming, lacrosse and athletics.
The youngsters represented both their school and their district, with the county divided into the six districts of Redditch, North Worcestershire, Droitwich & Worcester City, South Worcestershire, Worcestershire West and Wyre Forest.
St Bede’s won the Year 7/8 Super 6 athletics while Ridgeway were champions in the KS2 archery arrows.
Batchley First School were runners-up in the KS2 boccia and Walkwood Middle School were second in the Year 5/6 tennis.
Vaynor First School took third place in the Year 4 mixed Kwik Cricket.
Organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the games were supported by young leaders from schools, colleges and universities across Worcestershire, aiming to develop leadership skills including officiating and event organisation.
Many budding reporters and videographers also came together to form a voluntary media team, interviewing sporting stars and capturing the Worcestershire Summer School Games on camera.
The youngsters were also treated to a special visit from Annasley Park, a member of the Great Britain Track and Road Cycling Academy Programme. Understanding the School Games from the children’s perspective, the 21-year-old has previously fulfilled the role as Young Leader at the Herefordshire School Games and aims to motivate this year’s aspiring sporting stars.
Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer of Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We always look forward to the Worcestershire School Games. The initiative presents a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire our young people to take part in more competitive sport.
“Celebrating sport, competition and teamwork are at the heart of the festival, encouraging young people to reach their full potential.”
All participants, young leaders and school staff were encouraged to uphold the six ‘Olympic values’ associated with the School Games. They demonstrated passion, teamwork, honesty, respect, determination and self-belief across the eight sporting competitions and the cultural village, attending by local sporting organisations.
Official radio partner, Free Radio’s Hursty, was in attendance, compering the opening ceremony, interviewing Annasley Park and testing a range of activities taking place at the cultural village.
Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire thank their sponsors – Free Radio and West Midland Safari Park – for supporting the Worcestershire School Games. They also express their gratitude to sports organisers, Annasley Park, cultural village attendees, Severn Valley Training first aid services, young leaders, Bromsgrove School and other partner organisations.
Pictures courtesy of SA Images.
