Menu

Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals return at UCLan

Posted on - 29th November, 2021 - 3:08pm | Author - | Posted in - Education, Preston News, UCLan
Children really enjoyed the indoor athletics final

Hundreds of local youngsters descended on the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for the highly anticipated return of the annual Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals.

Advertisement

Around 350 year 5 and 6 pupils from primary schools around the city competed against each other in a variety of track and field events at UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

Among the schools taking part were Fulwood’s Queen’s Drive Primary School; Barnacre Road Primary School, Longridge; Greenlands Community Primary School, Ribbleton; Frenchwood Community Primary School, and St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School, Lea.

Read more: Friends of Harris Park urge Preston City Council to use Levelling Up Fund to buy site for community use

Led by UCLan’s first year sports coaching and sports and PE students, all 25 schools participated in the relay, triple jump, javelin, standing long jump, speed bounce, chest pass and standing high jump.

Advertisements

Ten-year-old Ellie O’Neill, a Year 6 pupil from St Lawrence CE School in Barton, said: “I’m very competitive so I’ve really enjoyed being able to compete against people from other schools. I’ve also liked being able to spend the whole day doing physical activities.”

Scott Martland, Headteacher of the winning team Ashton-on-Ribble’s St Andrew’s CE Primary School, said: “The pupils get so much out of this event and it’s even more special this year after everything they’ve gone through in the past 18 months.

“This event is fantastic for their physical and mental health, but it’s also important for their resilience and social skills. It also gives them a sense of belonging and makes them work as a team in a fun and engaging environment.”

The UCLan undergraduates were joined by volunteers from Preston Harriers, who assisted with time keeping and demonstrations.

Joe Harland, 19, from Carlisle, was one of the sports coaching students who led the practical sessions.

Advertisements
barton manor gym

He said: “When I graduate I want to work as a sports coach with development age children so this event is fantastic for me because I’m gaining vital practical knowledge of what their sports’ skill levels are and how to interact with large groups of young children.”

Dr Chris Gunn, UCLan Lecturer in Sport Business Management and Sport Coaching, worked closely with School Games Organiser Mark Birkinshaw, to coordinate the event.

He said: “We were delighted to host such a prestigious sporting event. UCLan excels in combining a rigorous academic programme with progressive experiential real-world learning opportunities.

“The experience gained from executing an event with more than 350 primary school children enables our students to develop relevant practical knowledge and understanding.

“It is a fantastic spectacle and one of my highlights of the academic year. It only happens because of the extensive efforts of numerous stakeholders. Seeing so many children having a great day out at our Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre makes all effort worthwhile.”

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea



Read moreSee the latest Preston news and headlines

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures Preston Bus 207 PO56 JDX (Scania N94UB / East Lancs Esteem)24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails