The annual Herefordshire Summer School Games Festival brought together over 1,500 children and young people in a Commonwealth Games-style showpiece!

Pupils from Ashfield Park Primary School, Gorsley Goffs Primary School, Lea Primary School, Llangrove Primary Academy & St Josephs Primary School were among 49 primary, secondary and special schools across Herefordshire who came together at Hereford Leisure Centre to take part in activities from frisbee to table cricket. The festival featured a mixture of 13 competitive and participation events, including rounders, tri-golf, rugby, tennis, dance, multiskills, sports hall athletics, inclusive athletics, lacrosse, frisbee, dodgeball, handball and table cricket. Providing a range of diverse opportunities for young Herefordians, the event was supported by a team of 50 Young Leaders, from local schools and colleges across Herefordshire, organising activities and recording the highlights of the day.

In addition, this year’s event was particularly special, with an added Commonwealth Games theme. The Commonwealth Games Arena providing young people with the opportunity to experience a range of new and exciting activities and sports from cheerleading to table tennis - all cheered on by Perry the Commonwealth Games Mascot.

Double silver Paralympic medallist and Birmingham Commonwealth Games competitor, Rebecca Redfern attended the day to welcome schools at the opening ceremony, as well as inspire, support and encourage young people taking part.

Funded by the National Lottery, Sport England, organised by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and delivered in partnership with Stride Active, the programme aims to inspire millions of children and young people to take part in school competition, as well as participation events across the country.

Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said, “We are delighted to be able to host our first Summer Herefordshire School Games Festival since 2019. This event has always been a pinnacle of our annual School Games calendar and we have been thrilled to welcome over 1,500 young people and 49 schools here today.

“On behalf of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, I would like to express my gratitude to our Participant sponsor, Hoople Group, for their continued support and involvement with the Herefordshire School Games programme”.

For more information around the Herefordshire School Games, please visit: www.activehw.co.uk/herefordshire-school-games .