Sixth Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals is biggest yet with more than 500 schoolchildren competing at the University of Central Lancashire’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre
Hundreds of schoolchildren competed against each other at the sixth Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals held at the University of Central Lancashire.
More than 500 pupils from 19 primary schools in the city were coached by more than 30 student volunteers from the University’s Sports Coaching and Physical Education & Sport courses.
Dr Chris Gunn, University of Central Lancashire Senior Lecturer in Sports Business Management and Sport Coaching, collaborated closely with School Games Organiser Mark Birkinshaw to coordinate the event.
“There is nothing better than our students gaining real-world hands-on experience of running an event of this magnitude,” said Dr Gunn.
"Understanding what motivational techniques work for children of primary school age has given me confidence especially as this event positioned me as a leader and role model"
— Joe Bolton who studies Sports Coaching and Performance
“We’ve come a long way from our first event in 2018. This is now the sixth Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals we have held at the University of Central Lancashire and our biggest yet. By networking, officiating, and coordinating the events and scores, the students are developing the vital skills they’ll need for a future career in sport.”
The Preston based primary schools taking part included Ashton, Broughton-in-Amounderness, Deepdale, Fishwick, Harris, Kennington, Moor Nook, Our Lady and St Edward's, Queens Drive, Ribbleton Avenue, Sherwood, St Andrew’s, St Clare’s, St Joseph’s, St Lawrence, St Maria Goretti, St Michael’s, St Stephen's, and St Teresa's.
The day-long event saw pupils contest in a range of running and jumping events including an obstacle relay, standing long jump, foam javelin throwing, chest push and speed bounce.
Eleven-year-old Hania, a pupil at Our Lady and St Edward's Catholic Primary School, said: “The University volunteers were really supportive. It’s a fun day out for everyone and a chance to learn something new. I have never tried the triple jump before. It reminds me of the Olympics.”
"Beating your personal score rather than another competitor suits me better. It’s exciting that lots of schools in Preston take part"
— Harry, from Sherwood Primary School
Mr Simon Bentham, a teacher at Broughton Primary School said: “Kids at this event are able to shine in a different way. Not every child is academically gifted and many need sport to keep thriving in life.
“As it’s such a big event we can bring so many children with us and this gives those who have never represented our school before a chance to be part of a team.”
Harry, 11, from Sherwood Primary School, said: “Beating your personal score rather than another competitor suits me better. It’s exciting that lots of schools in Preston take part.”
The University of Central Lancashire’s first and second-year BA (Hons) Sports Coaching & Development and BA (Hons) Sport & PE students facilitated all sessions, including measuring distances, timing events, and giving demonstrations.
Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals organiser Mark Birkinshaw said: “The Sir Tom Finney Centre facilities are superb. There is nowhere else in Preston which could host an event of this size. And because the sports students referee and do all the scoring it’s guaranteed to be neutral and fair.
“As a result of all these factors this is an event that Preston’s teachers and kids genuinely look forward to year after year.”
"By networking, officiating, and coordinating the events and scores, the students are developing the vital skills they’ll need for a future career in sport"
— Dr Chris Gunn, University of Central Lancashire Senior Lecturer in Sports Business Management and Sport Coaching
Joshua Bux, a student at the University of Central Lancashire studying Physical Education & Sport, said: “Gaining knowledge and a unique insight into what it may be like to work in a primary school has been so valuable as it’s a career path I’m considering”
Joe Bolton who studies Sports Coaching and Performance, added: “Understanding what motivational techniques work for children of primary school age has given me confidence especially as this event positioned me as a leader and role model.”
The Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals took place on Friday 29 November.
The winning school was St Andrew’s CofE primary school which will now represent Preston at next year’s Lancashire final.
