Merseyside’s sporting stars excel at unforgettable Summer Games
More than 2,000 athletes from the region’s primary and secondary schools descended on Wavertree Athletics Centre today to compete against each other at the prestigious Summer Games.
The county-level event brought together the ‘best of the best’ of Merseyside’s young sporting talent who had qualified from a series of events across Merseyside.
Organised by the Merseyside School Games Operational Group, in association with Merseyside Sports Partnership, children from all six school boroughs: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral represented both their schools and their district in a range of sports including swimming, tennis, netball and hockey.
The Games are designed to build on the magic of London 2012 to enable every school and child to participate in competitive sport, including meaningful opportunities for disabled youngsters.
Following a typically colourful and entertaining Rio-themed opening ceremony which included acrobatic, dance and musical performances, the children battled it for the right to be crowned champions of Merseyside whilst upholding the six values of the Games: honesty, teamwork, respect, self belief, passion and determination.
Guest of honour was three-time Paralympian triathlete Rhiannon Henry, who gave a motivational talk to the athletes before the event and spent the morning mingling with the competitors.
Dave Sweeney, Chair of the Merseyside School Games Operational Group, hailed the “fantastic’ event whilst also emphasising the important role sport plays in children’s lives.
He said: “Merseyside has a great sporting heritage and the Merseyside School Games represents an opportunity to discover the world-class sporting stars of the future.
“But more than that, we know from research by organisations, such as the Sport and Recreation Alliance, that physical activity can have significant benefit on academic performance and behaviour in class too, making participation hugely beneficial to every one of the young people taking part.
“The children today have been incredible. Not only have they been ambassadors for their schools, but also for the Games itself and the values we place great importance on. It has been a truly wonderful day.”
- Flag-bearers made a colourful entrance
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- The six values of the Games were read out
- The opening ceremony was typically brilliant and entertaining
- The children had a fantastic time
- Thumbs up
- The mass warm up was very energetic
- Happy days!!
- The spirit of the Games
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- Quicksticks Hockey
- Hockey action
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- Yes!!! We’ve scored
- Preparing to make a tackle
- Touch rugby
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- Pool action
- The brilliant Sports Leaders from Calderstones
- Great technique
- Schools raced against each other in the medley
- A Booker Avenue swimmer powers on
- Action from the pool
- Boccia
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- A pass is made
- Preparing to volley
- Sportsmanship and mutual respect was evident all day
- God concentration on the tennis court
- Tennis action
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- Tri-golf
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- These Knowsley girls are all smiles
- Serving on the rounders’ field
- A good connection is made
- Eyes on the ball
- It’s in!
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- Battling for possession on the netball court
- Medal glory for these young St Helens stars
- Won by a hair’s breadth!
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- Summer Games 2016
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- A runner has to look over his shoulder!
- Giving 100%
- Each competitor gave their all
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- There were some fine battles on the track
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- Neck and neck
- The athletes mingled well together
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- Gold medal winners in Quad Kids
- Winners!
- The Samba Band from Savio Salesian College
- Opening ceremony
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- Sports Leaders from Bebington High School
- The six school boroughs
- Action from the track events
- It was a great day to win a gold medal
- Some civil dignatories attended the opening ceremony
- Dave Sweeney, Chair of Merseyside School Games Operational Group, welcomed the VIPs
- Rhiannon Henry gave a motivational talk
- Action from the opening ceremony
- Paralympic triathlete Rhiannon Henry mingled with the participants
- Sports Leaders’ help and assistance was invaluable
- Summer Games 2016
- Leaping for the win
- Action from the Tri Golf
- Keeping the goal safe on the hockey pitch
- The spirit was fantastic throughout the day
- Neck and neck
- Preparing to throw..
- Touchline acrobatics courtesy of a St Helens athlete
- Relaxing outside the Tennis Centre
- Celebrating a gold medal win