YOUNG athletes have been recognised for their sporting prowess with a prestigious regional award.
Pupils at Beaumont Hill Academy, Darlington, have been presented with the North East Disability Sports Award – Education Winners for their efforts in a variety of disciplines.
The promising sports stars have represented their school in an array of sports ranging from swimming, football and boccia to table top cricket and basketball.
As well as competing in a host of school fixtures, they have taken part, or will be taking part, in events organised by Darlington School Sport Partnership and Tees Valley Sports.
Some secondary pupils have also become sports leaders responsible for spreading messages about the many benefits of sport to pupils in the primary section of the school.
Head of PE at Beaumont Hill Academy Pete Ramsey said: “We have been trying to make PE opportunities more accessible offering pupils the chance to represent their school and showing them the importance of taking part in events.
“We have changed the school week to include as much sport as possible so they can take part in fixtures and include activities as enrichment on a Friday afternoon. This helps the children hone their skills in lessons and cover sports they would not normally experience as part of the curriculum.”
Mr Ramsey said the benefits were clear to see. “There are the obvious health benefits of being active,” he said. “But we also see the pupils grow in confidence, develop leadership and team-building skills, enjoy the camaraderie enjoyed in sport and experience a boost in social interaction.
“They are just so excited to be taking part, they develop resilience around losing and humility in winning.”
Year 10 pupil Phil Roberts, 15, is a member of the school’s boccia (bowling) team. He said: “It is great to be part of a team and I am really enjoying travelling to other venues to take part in competitions.”
The school’s 30-strong squad is preparing for the forthcoming Tees Valley Sports Schools Games due to be staged at the Dolphin Centre on April 3.