Hundreds of schoolchildren descended on the University of Lancashire to compete in this year’s Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals.
More than 400 pupils from more than 20 local primary schools participated in a range of running, throwing and jumping events while receiving coaching from first year Sports Coaching & Development and Physical Education & Sport students.
The events included speed jumping, javelin throwing, an obstacle relay, standing long jump and chest push.
One of those enjoying the chance to take part in the triple jump, vertical jump and speed bounce was 10-year-old Millie, from Queen’s Drive Primary School. The Year 6 pupil said: “It’s been a really fun day. I’ve enjoyed being able to compete against other schools and it’s nice to have that bit of sporting rivalry.”
Year 6 pupil Elton, from Kennington Primary School, was representing his school for the second time. He commented: “I really like coming to this event at the University because we get to have a go at different sports and test ourselves against other schools. It’s good fun.”
It’s been a really fun day. I’ve enjoyed being able to compete against other schools and it’s nice to have that bit of sporting rivalry– 10-year-old Millie, from Queen’s Drive Primary School
Some of the schools who attended the event in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre included Ashton Primary School, Broughton-in-Amounderness CE Primary School, Deepdale Community Primary School, Fulwood & Cadley Primary School, Harris Primary School, Moor Nook Community Primary School and St Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School.
James Kay, Headteacher of St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School in Fishwick, said: “It’s the highlight of the year for my pupils. They come together to compete in fabulous facilities, it gives them a feeling of being part of a community, and they can celebrate sporting success while being competitive.”
In addition to encouraging the children, the University undergraduates facilitated all sessions, including measuring distances, timing events, and giving demonstrations.
Eighteen-year-old Grace Cronshaw, a first year PE and Sport student from Longridge, was one of the volunteers. The former St Cecilia’s RC High School and Cardinal Newman College student commented: “Today has been about putting our theoretical learning into practice and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to get real world experience. It’s been my first proper experience of working with young children and it’s been really helpful for my learning.”
Today has been about putting our theoretical learning into practice and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to get real world experience– Grace Cronshaw, a first year PE and Sport student
The annual event is organised by Mark Birkinshaw and Dr Chris Gunn, University of Lancashire Senior Lecturer in Sports Business Management.
Dr Gunn added: “This is one of the highlights of the academic year for us. To see the smiles on all the children’s faces makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“Our students learn so much from this event. It provides practical, hands-on experience, taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and applying it in real world contexts. It builds their confidence to facilitate an event with such large numbers of excited primary school age children.”
The Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals took place on Friday 28 November.
St Andrews CE Primary School was the overall winning school and it will now represent Preston at next year’s Lancashire final.
