Primary school sporting festival celebrates culmination of skills sessions
Children from across the Winchester district have marked the development of their sporting skills with a celebratory festival.
The inter-schools festival marked the culmination of ten weeks of sports sessions at local primary schools involving over 700 children. The sessions were arranged by Winchester City Council in partnership with ActiveMe 360.
Over 50 pupils took place in a range of challenges in the end festival, which took place in February at the King George V Playing Fields and the University of Winchester all-weather pitch.
Those taking part in the festival included children from Years 5-6 from: All Saints CE Primary School; Durley Primary School; Stanmore Primary School; Colden Common Primary School; Hambledon Primary School; and Swanmore Primary School.
The project was funded by the UK Government through the Levelling Up Shared Prosperity Fund.
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “These sporting sessions have been a wonderful opportunity for local children across the district to learn more about a range of popular sporting pastimes, and then demonstrate that learning in a very fun way at a tournament to celebrate all that they have learned and achieved.
“It has been great to see so many primary schools in our local community getting involved with the sessions. Well done to everyone who took part!”
Jane Hall, headteacher at All Saints CE Primary School in Winchester, said: We have been delighted by the progression of our children's teamwork and collaboration skills as a result of the sessions. The children have loved taking part in the coaching sessions and were extremely keen to join in each week.
“It has been an excellent opportunity for the children to be physically active whilst having such an enjoyable time."
Chris Fraser-Wade, Director of Business Operations at ActiveMe 360 said: “At ActiveMe 360, we want people to live healthier, happier, more active lives. This is our fourth year of partnership with Winchester City Council and since last summer, we’ve engaged over 700 pupils across local schools through our Jag Tag, football, and cricket school-based projects, plus many more in the wider community during the school holiday periods.
“It’s always been more than just sport. It’s been about giving every child the chance to grow in confidence, develop key life skills, and improve their physical, mental, and social wellbeing”.