Schoolchildren enjoy alternative sports day

60 children from the Weald family of primary schools, all aged from eight to 10 years old, took part in the special event,

Loxwood, Wisborough Green, Plaistow and Kirdford, Slinfold, St Mary’s Pulborough and Shipley all sent 10 children each to participate in activities organised by staff from HDC’s sports development team with support from Year 10 sports leaders from the Weald School.

There were eight stations in total for the children to rotate around in 18 minute slots. The cycling station challenged children at their particular level of confidence on a bike. For some that was just riding on the flat of the astroturf where the station was positioned, for others it involved taking on the small Shoretrax ramp and then progressing to the larger Shoretrax arrangement of ramps.

Some children required the physical support of the sports leaders. Those of a more bike-confident disposition were given arms length leeway to negotiate the risks presented for themselves. One child was insistent he was not going to get on the bike despite all efforts to reassure him that he’d be supported. The young leaders succeeded where the lead coach failed by getting him to give it a try at the end of the session.

Four single-seater, pedal-powered go-karts were imported to give the children the first step on to the ladder of Formula One and staying on the wheelie good theme skateboards were available for the kids to have a go on with the coach and leaders organising games to put the kids’ balancing skills to the test.

Walking football is a growing sport for older people but not much of it goes on for younger people. This event had a station for it and the value of the non-running rule was that it could serve as a leveller to engage youngsters of different abilities.

There was also wheelchair basketball, led by more very capable young sports leaders, using six HDSD sports wheelchairs and wheelie-bins as baskets.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.