July 13, 2022

Youngsters get active and have fun at the Cumbria School Games Multi-Sport Festival 2022.

Cumbria’s primary and secondary schools were in high spirits as they enjoyed a fun day of sport in a county-wide multi-sports festival.

Wednesday 6 July saw 750 school children from across Cumbria welcomed to the Sheepmount Athletics Stadium in Carlisle to participate in one of a number of sports including Tri-Golf, Dodgeball and Orienteering. And a range of multi-skills activities including goal scoring and celebrations, Crazy catch challenges, Jump for height and fitness challenges.

The event is organised by Active Cumbria, part of Cumbria County Council’s Public Health Team and one of 43 Active Partnerships across England and is delivered in partnership with School Games Organisers, schools, clubs, national governing bodies of sport and local partners.

A celebration of school sport and physical activity, participating teams have been chosen by the School Games Organiser in each area. For many of the children the Cumbria School Games was an opportunity to experience a major multi-sport event for the very first time.

Mike Zeller from BBC Radio Cumbria hosted the opening ceremony which included a mesmerizing dance performance by Cosmic Dance Studio and Year 3 pupils at Norman Street Primary School.

Sharon Nicholson, School Games Organiser for South Lakes said; “What a fantastic day everyone had.  Lots of hard work and effort has been put in over the course of the year to make these games possible and it makes it all worthwhile to see everyone come together and enjoy a day like this. I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks and well done to all the schools who participated and to everyone involved”.

Ben Hoyle, Managing Director of British Dodgeball said; “It was exciting to see so many young people playing dodgeball in the Cumbria School Games yesterday. Dodgeball is ranked in the top five most participated sports across primary schools in the country by Sport England and has a strong focus on fun, teamwork, game-play and skill development.  It was great to see so many Cumbria schools joining in, and we really hope the day has inspired the young people and given them confidence to continue playing Dodgeball both at school and as a new potential hobby.”

Carole Quill of St Martin and St Mary CofE Primary School, Windermere said; “We are absolutely delighted that St Martin and St Mary C of E Primary School has been part of this year's Cumbria School Games.  These opportunities are such an important of school life and the children have been full of enthusiasm and excitement. Our children have represented their school and district in multi skills, tri-golf & orienteering and have not only pushed their skills but also had great fun making new friends from other schools. Superb organisation from the Active Cumbria team have ensured that the children will cherish this day forever. I am beaming with pride. The kids have represented their family, their school and South Lakes brilliantly and we are so proud of each and every one of them.”

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Philip Hindes MBE, who was part of Team GB at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games also joined the ceremony in his role as an ambassador for Active Cumbria championing young people to try new sports and be active.

The event is supported by The Cumberland Building Society, BBC Radio Cumbria, GLL and Direct Rail Services.

Phillip Ward, Brand & PR Manger at The Cumberland, said; "Every year we support a wide variety of activities that provide opportunities for children that will benefit their physical wellbeing, so we are proud to once again be supporting Active Cumbria’s School Games this year as the main supporter. Today was a fantastic occasion, providing an opportunity for Cumbrian school children to take part in a friendly non-competitive event. It was brilliant to see youngsters from across the County enjoying themselves, trying their best and trying new sports and activities.”

Cameron Wilson, Active Cumbria Development Officer and Children Young People Lead, said; “The students who took part today represented their areas with pride and enthusiasm. There was a tremendous sense of enjoyment amongst those taking part.  Organising an event such as today takes a lot of hard work. I would like to thank all the student volunteers, staff and parents who contribute so much to the success of the school games.

The six School Games Organisers across the county undertake work every week to help support schools in sport and without them the students would not have the chance to enjoy opportunities that enable them to take part in the county wide event today.

I’d also like to thank our sponsors, particularly the Cumberland Building Society for their continued support of the event, and to our other event partners GLL, BBC Radio Cumbria and Direct Rail Services, it is through such support that we ensure that the event is a memorable one for the young people involved.”

In support of Active Cumbria’s commitment to ‘Kick out Plastic in Sports’, a national campaign which aims to reduce the amount of single use plastics at major sports events, all children and young people who attended the School Games festival received a reusable drinks bottle and water was provided to top up regularly throughout the day.  And where possible, event resources and supplies were sourced sustainably. 

Find out more about Cumbria School Games here