City’s young athletes shine at primary school athletics event

More than 1,700 pupils from 43 primary schools across the city came together for a 2-day athletics competition in Withdean last week.

Pupils from years 4, 5 and 6 took part in sprints, relays, 600m races, standing long jump and vortex howler events at the Withdean Sports Complex stadium on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June.

The athletic event – held for the 18th time this year – was organised by the Schools Games Programme as part of the Let’s Get Moving Strategy, which aims to support all children and young people to enjoy positive experiences of play, sport and exercise in education settings and the community.

According to Sport England's Active Lives Children and Young People Survey 20/21, 47% of children and young people in Brighton & Hove are active for 60 minutes or more a day, while 20% are fairly active (30-59 minutes a day), and 33% are less active (less than 30 minutes a day).

The city’s Mayor Amanda Grimshaw BEM – who awarded trophies to the winning schools on Thursday – said: “It was a real joy to see so many young people taking part in such a positive, energetic event.

Staying active through sport and play is vital for children's health and wellbeing – it builds confidence, supports mental health and sets the foundations for lifelong healthy habits.

“Events like this not only showcase the amazing talent and enthusiasm of our city’s young athletes but also highlight the importance of keeping physical activity fun, inclusive and part of everyday life.”

Congratulations to the winners of each division:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School
• Carlton Hill Primary School
• St Martin’s Primary School
• Balfour Primary School
• Aldrington Primary School
• St Nicolas Primary School

This year’s event was supported by sports leaders from Dorothy Stringer School, Blatchington Mill School, Varndean College and Patcham High School.