ON WEDNESDAY, March 25, Cheltenham College played host to the National Award Winning Gloucestershire School Games delivered by Active Gloucestershire.

The 200 children from Primary and Secondary Schools across Gloucestershire were joined by ex-international rugby player and Sky Sports Living for Sports Mentor Thinus Delport and GB Wheelchair Basketballer Mark Fosbrook who officially opened the games.

The main events of the day were showcasing the best sporting teams who had qualified from district leagues and tournaments on: Quicksticks Hockey, High 5 Netball and an addition to this year’s programme; The County School Games Debating Competition.

An exciting part of the welcoming ceremony included the unveiling of the School Games Values Flags, a competition open to all Primary Schools which saw over 600 entries last term recognising and celebrating the core values of sport.

Winners received their gold medals and paraded their winning flags in front of a crowd of teachers, parents and special guests (including Cllr Chris Brine, Stroud District).

Design a Flag

Teamwork: Finlay Powell – Thrupp School

Determination: Elicia Kennedy – Hempstead C of E Primary School

Honesty: Annie Mudd – Bisley Blue Coat School

Passion: Daisy Illingworth, Blockley C of E Primary School

Self Belief: Freya Watts – Blockley C of E Primary School

Respect: Tegan Ruck – Rowanfield Junior School

Netball

St Mary’s Tetbury won the Gloucestershire School Games High 5 Netball Final for the second year running. The Tetbury primary school won the competition by beating St Mary’s Catholic School, Churchdown in the final by 13 goals to 2.

Thanks to England Netball and Gloucestershire County Netball Association who delivered the high quality final on behalf of Active Gloucestershire.

England Netball’s Regional Development Officer, Julie Andrews said ‘The level of passion and enthusiasm both on court and off, as well as impressive team performances and exemplary sportsmanship from all the teams was wonderful to see and a credit to them. The level of competition seen today certainly gives Gloucestershire Netball some exciting talent for future years.‘

The High 5s School Games final results were winners, St Mary’s Tetbury; runners up St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Churchdown; third place went to Twyning Primary School.

Player of the tournament was Isabella Quinn of Twyning Primary School.

Hockey

The Quicksticks School Games finals results were: Gold- Cold Aston, Cotswold District, Silver- Bluecoat, Stroud and after a thrilling playoff match which couldn’t be decided following extra time saw Picklenash, Forest of Dean and Chalford Hill, Stroud awarded joint Bronze.

A special thanks must go to England Hockey who ran the competition with the support of young hockey umpires from Balcarras School, Cheltenham.

Andy Blackmore, Relationship Manager for England Hockey said ‘The Gloucestershire School Games is a brilliant event that is supported locally by a number of hockey clubs and volunteers. A knock on effect of the School Games has been an influx of children who are now playing hockey outside of schools which is brilliant to see.’

Debating

Gloucestershire were chosen by The Youth Sports Trust to run a National Pilot of Debating; aiming to engage secondary aged pupils into an activity that enhances numerous employability and personal skills such as confidence, public speaking, listening and empathy.

We were delighted to be joined by three judges who bought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event; Kevan Blackadder (Cheltenham Business Parntership), Libby Reed (Cirencester College) and Patrick Salvadori (Debating Matters).

Teams were given the title ‘Most Influential Sportsperson of all Time’ and there were some very strong points made by all teams.

Results;

First Ribston Hall, Gloucester – Mohammad Ali

Second Archway, Stroud – David Beckham

Third Thomas Keble, Stroud – Tanni Grey Thompson

The Spring Games wouldn’t have happened without the brilliantly enthusiastic and inspiring workforce of 14-25year old volunteers from schools, colleges and universities across the county who are known as School Games Makers, taking on roles such as officials, team managers and young media team supporting our partners Cotswold TV.

The next exciting event on the Gloucestershire School Games calendar is on Tuesday, April 14, 10am-2.30pm at GL1, Gloucester which sees the finals of; Primary Key Steps Gymnastics, Disability Swimming and Secondary School Indoor Rowing. Sporting Champion and GB Rower Annie Vernon will be in attendance inspiring our Gloucestershire athletes of the future.