With two successful years under their belt already hundreds of youngsters had a hard act to follow for the Sainsbury’s School Winter Games last week.
More than 1,000 youngsters, aged between seven and 18 years from across Bedfordshire and Luton, took part in the event on March 7 at Inspire: Luton’s Sports Village.
Teams from schools across the county competed in a variety of sports including swimming, dodgeball, tag rugby, table cricket, Boccia, hockey, basketball and gymnastics.
Peter Waterfield, Olympic silver medalist and Tom Daley’s Olympic synchronised diving partner, gave the opening address at the Games.
There were special performances by pupils of Harlington Upper School and Streetfield and Gilbert Inglefield Middle Schools.
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the winning teams and individuals on the podium during the day.
As well as competitors there were also a number of young people taking on the roles of school games makers, young officials, young press officers and volunteers.
The games are organised by a local organising committee of headteachers, school games organisers, Team Beds & Luton and the University of Bedfordshire.
Gill Morrow, school games event manager, believes that the School Games are a fantastic opportunity for young people to be involved in the continuing legacy of London 2012 bringing culture and sport together.
“Each competition taking place is the county final of that sport.
“Teams have had to compete in their School Games Area first before making it to the finals on Friday. There were also a significant number of young people there from the special schools and inclusion units competing across four different events.”