Athletes of the future went head to head in the high jump, javelin throw and more at the annual inter-primary championships in Letchworth.
More than 100 pupils took part in the second annual Primary Athletics Championships at Fearnhill School, with teams from Letchworth’s Garden City Academy, Norton St Nicholas, Stonehill and Wilbury schools, as well as Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy and Purwell Primary School in Hitchin.
Rain meant the championships last week went ahead in the school gym rather than on the field, with the boys and girls from Wilshere-Dacre winning the very close-run competition. Norton St Nicholas came in second, with Purwell in third.
Wilshere-Dacre PE teacher Dean Horsley said: “It was a great contest. All the kids did really well and they should be very proud of themselves – I certainly am.”
There was a great atmosphere in the gym as parents, grandparents, staff and Fearnhill pupils cheered on the pupils, with events including the relay, shooting hoops, high jump and javelin.
Students from Fearnhill’s Year 9, who supported and led the competitors as ‘sports leaders’, were saluted by PE teacher and championships manager Leslie Balchin as “fantastic ambassadors for our school”.
Ms Balchin said: “This was a great event, showcasing co-operation and competition from all the competitors and superb leadership by our Year 9 sports leaders.
“They were fantastic ambassadors for our school and demonstrated the pride and passion they have for their learning and their willingness to share this and contribute to the wider community.
“Well done to everyone involved – we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”
Fearnhill head Liz Ellis added: “This is the second year we have run this event and it is growing in popularity. It is a great opportunity for primary students to experience more senior athletics events.
“Our students really enjoy working with younger children and growing their enthusiasm for sport.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here