Selwood Housing has once again hosted a fun filled sports festival for local children with the help of SportInspired, Wiltshire Council and the Big Lottery.
343 children aged between eight and twelve took part in the second Selwood Games held at Melksham Oak Community School on Friday 24th June.
36 teams competed in twelve different sports ranging from street surfing to cricket, zorb- football to tennis, with 15 staff from Selwood Housing Group volunteering to support the event and to coach some of the younger competitors.
The event is designed to encourage children to get involved in a wide range sporting activities, promoting healthy lifestyles, developing confidence and building self-esteem.
When asked by a member of staff if he had enjoyed the day, Thomas aged nine from a Melksham school responded enthusiastically, “It has been absolutely fantastic!”
60 Young Leaders from Melksham Oak school and 15 volunteers from Selwood Housing put 120 pupils from Forest and Sandridge School, Aloeric School and The Manor School through their paces, as well as 240 year 7s from Melksham Oak. Their support not only helped inspire the younger children to all find a sport they loved, but the day also provided them with an exciting leadership development opportunity.
Johnathon Stockton, Year 4 teacher from Aloeric primary school was thrilled to be part of the programme. He said, “The festival day was perfect, all the kids had an absolutely fantastic time.”
On Friday, The Manor School won the Primary Team Spirit competition trophy and 10 year 7s from Melksham Oak School triumphed in the senior competition. Jake Dodge, one of the young leaders from Melksham Oak commented, “I’ve definitely gained more confidence in helping younger people and I’m really proud to help some of them into sports.”
The aim of the games programme was to bring the local community together, developing new relationships, skills and opportunities through the power of sporting activity.
Barry Hughes, Selwood Housing group chief executive said, “The second Selwood Games was a huge success. It was great to see children try out sports that might not normally be an option for them. At Selwood Housing it is really important to us that we are part of our local community, working with schools seemed like a great opportunity to make a difference to how children view sport and PE. Not only does sport have proven health benefits but it can also improve confidence and wellbeing.”
The event had a strong emphasis on team spirit and inclusively, which throughout the day meant that every child was given the chance to shine regardless of their sporting ability.
Felix Sullivan from SportInspired said, “SportInspired aims to connect communities by highlighting existing, and creating new, opportunities for young people to enjoy being active. We are lucky to have great partners like Selwood; we couldn’t achieve what we do without them and their volunteers.”
