Last week saw almost 900 schoolchildren compete in the annual West Yorkshire School Games winter festival, in association with Leeds Beckett University.
Schools from across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield competed across five different sports at the University’s Headingley campus, vying to be crowned country champions in disability sportshall athletics, boccia, hockey, netball and orienteering.
Schools representing Leeds were the most successful district, winning nine medals – three gold, three silver and three bronze. There were also three gold medals for Kirklees schools. Bradford schools won a total of six medals; there were three medals for schools representing Calderdale; and a single silver medal for Wakefield.
The event began with an opening ceremony, including performances from Punjabi Roots Academy and Outwood Grange Academy gymnastics squad. Great Britain triathlete and Leeds Beckett University alumni, Alex Yee, was on hand to speak at the opening ceremony and declare the festival open.
Also part of the day was an Active Schools zone, led by students from the Leeds Beckett Leadership Academy. It offered children who had competed at lower levels of the School Games the chance to experience the big event feel of the festival. This was led by
Additionally, The Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program gave the opportunity for children with severe or profound intellectual disability, and significant physical disabilities, to take part in sport-specific activities appropriate for their ability levels.
Nigel Harrison, Chief Executive at organisers Yorkshire Sport Foundation, commented: “The recent Active Lives survey identified enjoyment was identified as the main reason children take part in physical activity, and I’m sure the children who took part enjoyed the festival and will remember it for a long time.
“I’d like to thanks Leeds Beckett University for their continued support of the West Yorkshire School Games winter festival, and also acknowledge the important role the team of volunteers played in making the day possible.”
Sally Nickson, Director of Sport & Active Lifestyles at Leeds Beckett University, added: “Leeds Beckett University was delighted to welcome so many young people, teachers and volunteers to our beautiful Headingley Campus.
It was inspiring to see school pupils take part in sport and physical activity and we are pleased to support the Yorkshire Sport Foundation in their role as organisers of this fantastic event.
The West Yorkshire School Games summer festival, in association with Leeds Beckett University, will take place on Monday 1 July.
For the full list of results, click HERE.