This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Over 400 children will gather at Medina Leisure Centre on Saturday (13 July) for the annual Primary School Island Games.
Pupils from 35 Island schools will take part in the sporting event which has been taking place on the Isle of Wight since 2008.
Organised by Sports Unit
Organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Sports Unit, primary school children compete in seven sports during the day – athletics, basketball, cricket, handball, hockey, netball and swimming.
Schools are grouped by area to represent an Island – Cayman Island (The Bay area), Menorca (Cowes area), Western Isles (Newport area), St Helena (Ryde area) and Greenland (Ventnor area).
Olympic-style event
The event gives children the opportunity to experience what it feels like to take part in a large sporting event. It aims to inspire those taking part to lead healthy and active lifestyles and encourage children to pursue one or a number of sports as they grow up.
The Olympic-style event starts at 9.30am with an opening ceremony. Schools will take part in a parade, carrying their team flag before the games start at 10.15am.
The games form an important part of the council’s legacy work following the NatWest Island Games which took place on the Island in 2011.
An important event in the Island’s sporting calendar
Councillor Richard Priest, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children, said:
“The Primary School Island Games has become an important event in the Island’s sporting calendar, providing children with an opportunity to compete in a variety of sports while meeting new people and making friends.
“I hope that everyone taking part is inspired by what promises to be a sunny day of sporting activity.”
Spectators are welcome and refreshments will be available.
Programme:
9am – children arrive
9.30am to 10am – opening ceremony
10.15am – games begin
11.30am – swimming begins
1.30pm to 2pm – individual sports presentations
2pm to 2.15pm – overall games winners announced
For more information about the event please contact the Isle of Wight Council Sports Unit on (01983) 823818 or email [email protected] or visit www.iwight.com/sportsunit.
