With the six values of Respect, honesty, teamwork, determination, passion and self-belief at their core, the School Games are designed to build on the magic of London 2012 and motivate children and young people across the country to become physically active and take part in more competitive school sport.

Last Tuesday, July 2, a mass of coloured t-shirts dispersed under the summer sun at Bromsgrove School, where over 1,800 children aged 7-13 took part in a mini-Olympics style showpiece.

Providing a range of opportunities for young people, the Worcestershire Summer School Games was also supported by a team of 150 officials and young leaders as well as a media team made up of budding reporters, photographers and video journalists.

Organised by the Worcestershire Local Organising Committee, Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire and School Games Organisers, funded by the National Lottery and sponsors Redpoint Worcester, the Games saw over 65 schools measure their sporting prowess and battle for the title of Worcestershire County Champion.  Inspired by the Cricket World Cup, Wimbledon and the recent success of the Lionesses, children represented their Districts

in 17 sporting competitions including athletics, swimming, indoor rowing, tennis, cricket and boccia.

The opening ceremony featured dance performances by Alvechurch Middle School and St Johns Middle School as well as an interview with special guest, Invictus Games double gold and silver medallist, Dave Watson.  Winners of the ‘Worcestershire’s Gotta Sing competition’ St Barnabas Primary also performed their winning song.

The day was not only focused around competitive sport. 

Competitors, participants and volunteers were encouraged to demonstrate the six School Games values within the Cultural Village.

Young people were given the opportunity to challenge themselves in various dance styles, boost their energy by pedalling for a healthy smoothie, or reach the top of the climbing wall, kindly provided by ‘Programme Sponsors’ Redpoint Worcester.

The Worcestershire Summer School Games was honoured to welcome national hero and Invictus Games double gold and silver medallist, Dave Watson, as the Sporting Champion.

Between signing t-shirts and chatting to participants, Dave said, “Opportunities like the School Games are so important for children and young people, particularly in this day and age. With the advancements in technology, children are missing out on social aspects such as making new friends.

“Children will gain so many benefits from being involved in the event today. They will learn self-belief, setting goals and reaching them.

“The School Games values are so important and it’s brilliant to see so many young people demonstrating teamwork and passion at the Games here today. “

Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We are thrilled to see so many children and young people here today. 

“The School Games is a terrific opportunity to inspire the next generation and provide meaningful and positive experiences for young people participating in school sport.

“We have every confidence that the School Games will support our children and young people to embark upon

a lifelong journey of being physically active.

 “We are extremely grateful for our sponsor, Redpoint Worcester, as well as Sport England and the National Lottery. With their support the Worcestershire School Games continue to go from strength

to strength.”

For more information around the Worcestershire Summer School Games, along with the full results, visit:

https://www.sportspartnershiphw.co.uk/worcestershire-school-games or contact Sarah Millward on s.milward@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 542035.

We’re very keen to receive pictures from parents, coaches, spectators and amateur photographers who want to see their images in the newspaper and online – and seen by tens of thousands of people – with their name published to credit them.

We’re looking for team photos before the match as well as action shots, and just the name of the club or clubs involved.

There’s no need to send us the names of the children taking part.

But, whether it’s basketball, football or rugby, hockey or athletics, gymnastics or martial arts, swimming or any of the other sports that our young people are involved with, and you want us to cover your team or can send us pictures of your matches, email editor Michael Purton at michael.purton@newsquest.co.uk