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Children from 28 schools located across Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire have met over two days to take part in indoor athletics events organised by The Flying High Partnership in collaboration with Next Level Sports Ltd.
Scott Hardy is a Director at Next Level Sports Ltd and he said, “It has once again been an absolute pleasure to host the Flying High Partnership athletics events, held across two fantastic venues, the David Ross Sports Village in Nottingham and Kirkby Leisure Centre.“This year’s events were our best attended yet, with an incredible 28 schools joining us across two days. It was wonderful to see so many pupils taking part and representing their schools with such enthusiasm and pride.
”Scott said that morning and afternoon sessions were held over the two days, so that children could compete against children of their own age group. “What we love most about these events is the atmosphere,” said Scott. “The fun, the excitement, and the determination shown by every child truly make the events special. Schools showcased the fantastic athletic ability of their pupils, and the standard of performance this year was incredibly high.“A huge well done to everyone involved — the pupils, staff and the helpers who ensured the events such a success. A big thank you to the Flying High Partnership’s central team for joining us to help out on the day. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s events!
”Pupil Milo is in year 2 at the Flying High Academy, Ladybrook. Milo said, “I like football and running. I think my school team will do well because we have some fast runners, and we work well as a team!” Year 2 pupil Elijah is from Horsendale Primary School (Nuthall) and said, “I like racing and enjoy sports at school. I think my team will win because we are good at running.”
Pupils helping to run the event by supporting participants included Olly, a year 6 pupil from Kirkstead Junior Academy, part of the Pinxton Village Academies. Olly said, “Children are doing lots of activities and we are helping to make sure they know what to do in each event. We are also setting up the events and showing younger children how to take part in them.”
Winning teams in the Key stage 1 events were Edwalton Primary School and Hucknall Flying High Academy. In the Key stage 2 events winners were Hollingwood Primary School (Chesterfield) and Edwalton Primary School.
Miss Emily Castledine is the Key Stage 1 Phase Leader at Hucknall Flying High Academy and said of her winning team, “Our children performed fantastically today, not only in the sports events, but in cheering each other on as well.” Pupil Florence is in year 2 at Hucknall Flying High Academy, and enjoyed taking part, commenting, “I think our team were brilliant and when we won, we were extremely happy and cheered a lot!”
Chris Wheatley OBE is founder and CEO of The Flying High Partnership, and he said, “The Flying High Partnership sports events, organised by Next Level Sports, are proving to be fantastic fun for our school children, who have loved the opportunity to meet one another and take part in a wide range of sports hall athletics. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the events possible.
“At Flying High, we value creating collective events throughout the year which offer opportunities for pupils to learn and interact with each other, developing their experience, confidence, and communication skills in a fun and safe environment. The feedback from children across the trust shows just how much they have enjoyed showcasing their sporting skills on behalf of their schools.”
Schools attending the event were: Alderman Pounder Infant & Nursery School (Nottingham), Beeston Fields Flying High Academy, Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy, Blue Bell Hill Primary School (St Anns), Brooklands Primary School (Long Eaton), Edwalton Primary School, Ernehale Flying High Academies (Ernehale Junior School and Ernehale Infant School, Arnold), Forest Glade Primary and Nursery School (Sutton in Ashfield), Greenwood Primary & Nursery School (Kirkby), Greythorn Primary School (West Bridgford), Haddon Primary & Nursery School (Carlton), Hawthorne Primary & Nursery School (Bestwood Village), Hillside Primary and Nursery School (Hucknall), Hollingwood Primary School (Chesterfield), Horsendale Primary School (Nuthall), Hucknall Flying High Academy, Flying High Academy Ladybrook (Mansfield), Lovers Lane Primary & Nursery School (Newark), Mapplewells Primary & Nursery School (Sutton in Ashfield), Peafield Lane Academy (Mansfield Woodhouse), Pinxton Village Academies, Poolsbrook Primary Academy (Chesterfield), Porchester Junior School (Carlton), and Rivendell Flying High Academy (Burton Joyce).
