MORE than 200 schoolchildren put their sporting talent to the test in an action-packed week of free alternative sport as part of National School Sports Week.
The sessions, which included zumba, dance classes, archery, handball, golf and trampolining, were delivered by Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF), which manages three leisure centres in the city, and were aimed to inspire more young people to take part in sport.
Five primary schools took part in the programme including Cannon Park Primary School in Bransford Avenue, Clifford Bridge Primary School in Coombe Park Road, St Bartholomew Primary School in Bredon Avenue, Stivichall Primary School in Coat of Arms Bridge Road, and Woodfield School in Hawthorn Lane.
“It is a great alternative to traditional games such as netball and basketball and is a really good way to encourage friendly competition within the teams,” said Nikki Stillwell, who is a coach at CSF.
“We wanted to offer sessions that the children wouldn’t usually get to experience in a traditional PE environment and were very pleased with the response from both the teachers and young people.
“Regular participation in sport not only helps to improve a child’s fitness and wellbeing but it also helps them to develop valuable life and personal skills such as teamwork, confidence and discipline.”
National School Sports Week was introduced in 2009 and since its inception more than 9.6 million people have taken part.
The event aims to tackle rising childhood obesity levels by encouraging healthy living and active lifestyles in schools.
