Sporting spirit for Caerphilly schools during National School Sports Week

04 July 2012

Schools throughout Caerphilly didn't allow the rain to dampen their sporting spirit last week, as a massive 95% of schools registered with Sport Caerphilly to take part in the National School Sports Week (NSSW) activities throughout the borough.

With the Olympics and Paralympics fast approaching, pupils participated in numerous events that embraced the Olympic ethos. Nearly 1,000 pupils from across the borough took part in two massive sporting spectacles, one at the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff and one at Ty Sign Primary School, Risca.

Over 500 children came together at the National Indoor Athletics Centre to take part in an Olympic and Paralympic Event on Wednesday 27th June. Schools attended the event dressed in their allocated country's national dress, and competed in numerous sports throughout the day. Mexico (Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn) received the most points on the day and won NSSW medals which were awarded by Enda Murphy – Branch Manager of Lloyds TSB in Caerphilly.

The following day Ty Sign Primary School played host to 450 children, who all had the opportunity to try out Paralympic sports including Sitting Volleyball and Blind Football. The day began with an Olympic Style opening ceremony, where pupils gave dance displays that related to their allocated countries.

Cllr David Poole, Caerphilly county borough council's cabinet member for Leisure Services, commented, "It is wonderful to see so many of our schools embracing the Olympic and Paralympic values, not just during NSSW but throughout their curriculum. Each primary school has been allocated a country this year, and the Olympics and Paralympics have truly inspired children in our borough to take up sport."

There were many other Olympic themed activities taking place throughout the week, including Olympic Torch Relays in Risca and Newbridge. Pupils from numerous primary schools had the opportunity to carry an official Olympic Torch, loaned to Sport Caerphilly by Torchbearer Andrew Honey-Jones.

Meanwhile, 170 children from seven primary schools visited Bedwas High School to give some less well known Olympic and Paralympic sports a try. Activities on offer included archery, water polo and cycling, plus many more.

National School Sports Week is delivered collaboratively by Lloyds TSB with Youth Sport Trust.