Southampton's future sporting stars got a taste of Olympic victory as their school hosted its own games.
Inspired by the summer Olympic Games, which kick off in Paris next week, Weston Park Primary School hosted several schools from Hampshire and Dorset and carried out a range of running and throwing events.
Each school represented a different country that will be competing in this summer’s Olympics.
James Wiltshire, executive headteacher of Weston Schools Federation, said: “It’s the first time we’ve done something like this, the children have been really excited and perhaps a little nervous but delighted to be chosen to represent their schools, after excelling in their own sports days.
“It’s also helped us promote healthy living, a theme across all our schools.”
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Children at Weston park Primary School competing in the 'Olympic Games' (Image: Matt Davey)
Weston Shore Infant School, Hollybrook Junior School and Beechwood Junior School all took part as well as those from Bishop Aldhelm’s CE Primary School and Talbot Primary School, both from Poole, which are all part of the Hamwic Education Trust.
He added: “We try to tie in our events with what’s going on in the wider world, we had a Euros event a few weeks ago, today is about getting them excited for a sporting event – it might not be London but it’s close and it’s the greatest show on earth.
“The children may see heroes who inspire them in the future - so today we could be watching our future sporting stars.”
Pupils from Weston Park Primary School not competing in the event sat beside the sports field and cheered on their classmates in the sunshine, before breaking up for their summer holidays next week.
Bishop Aldhelm’s CE Primary School and Talbot Primary School both brought mascots with them from Dorset, with the Bishop's Bear and Talbot Tiger joining in the fun.
The Bishop's Bear (Image: Matt Davey)
Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, Romania, and New Zealand were all represented in the event – with each school wearing colours associated with their country.
“We can’t run these types of events without our staff and the other school’s headteachers who are really willing to drive a considerable distance with mini-buses full of children,” said James.
“You can’t run an event without staff who are positive, enthusiastic, and want the best for our children, so I’m beyond grateful to them.”
The event was sponsored by The Big Difference, a charity that supports schools to provide much-needed food for families.
A spokesperson for The Big Difference said: "We need to thank The Big Difference and Southampton Magna Rotary Club for this partnership with your schools.
"We also need to mention Costco, Iceland Swindon and Silver Crane Limited for helping with fresh fruit and treats for the schools.
"We have donated over 4k's worth of products including over 1200 packs of popcorn, 25 food parcels for 5 schools, 1000's of crisps, cake bars etc."
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