Latest news with #sportsday
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Primary school celebrates sports day and new outdoor classroom
A primary school has celebrated its sports day and the opening of its new outdoor classroom. Western Downland Church of England Primary School, in Rockbourne, Fordingbridge, welcomed the community last week for a day of sunshine and sporting fun, while unveiling its latest addition to the school, the outdoor classroom. The day started with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Ann Felicity Thompson DL, Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire, and headteacher Alice Tubbs. Mrs Tubbs said: "This space is far more than just a classroom—it is a symbol of what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose. "It wasn't just built with tools and timber, but with heart, teamwork, and a real sense of community. "You have built more than a classroom—you have built a legacy." Read more School's inaugural sports awards evening a huge success with Paralympian guest Insurance company teams up with football club to launch school ticket scheme Community hub hold successful football festival bringing SEND students together Western Downland Primary School held its sports day with children taking part in a variety of races. (Image: Western Downland Primary School) It provided welcome shade from the sun and a restful spot for children throughout the day. The school then hosted its sports day, with children competing in races such as the egg and spoon race, sprint and javelin. The school's PTA, Friends of Western Downland, were on hand to provide refreshments, raising money for the school. The school has recently been awarded the Platinum School Games Award, which is the highest national recognition for excellence in physical education. This accolade is presented to schools that have achieved four consecutive Gold School Games Awards and have demonstrated sustained commitment to high-quality sport and physical activity. Mrs Tubbs said: "We are thrilled to receive the Platinum School Games Award. "It is a wonderful recognition of the value we place on physical activity, wellbeing, and sport here at Western Downland. "Our staff and pupils work incredibly hard to make sport accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone, and this award celebrates that commitment.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rain overnight forces school to cancel sports day because of dangerous conditions
A school in Swindon has had to cancel their sports day due to heavy overnight rain. Ridgeway School and Sixth Form, located in Wroughton, has been forced to call off their sports day as the conditions are too dangerous. Principal Adrian Cush has explained the reasoning behind the cancellation, but confirms that there is a contingency. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 He said: 'When planning a sports day, schools always have a risk assessment and contingency plan. "With the long spells of dry weather and the overnight rain the field is too slippery to conduct running events safely; therefore, we have moved the event to our alternative day, Friday, July 18.' A message was sent out to attendees of the school this morning (July 17) from the staff announcing the change. Recommended reading Schoolchildren urged to become 'superheroes' to improve safety and reduce congestion School unveils brand-new kitchen after support from housebuilder New hypnotherapy training centre to open in Swindon It said: "Good morning, unfortunately, we are suspending Sports Day due to the conditions on the ground following the morning rain. "Students should attend as usual, in usual school uniform." According to the Met Office, the weather is meant to stay dry for the rest of the day and through the night, giving the outdoor area enough time to dry for the backup sports day. Tomorrow's forecast is expected to be cloudy with sun and will stay dry with the temperature hitting 27 degrees Celsius.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Spirit of true sportsmanship' as 300 pupils compete in County Durham sports day
YOUNG athletes from secondary schools all over County Durham competed together at a trust-wide sports day. Pupils from schools that make up the Advance Learning Partnership (ALP) gathered at Shildon Running and Athletics Club to face off in a series of track and field events. Guy Gray, Head of PE at Parkside Academy, in Willington, spearheaded organisation of the day. He said: 'Events like this are so important because they give young people a chance to compete, to try their hands at different events, and to represent their school with pride. 'For many of the pupils, this will be their first time taking part in any competition outside their own school. Just getting the opportunity to compete against others can have a profound impact on wellbeing and self-confidence. 'I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part – they've taken it seriously and conducted themselves as true ambassadors for their schools and their sports.' The event was sponsored by the education trust's community outreach arm, ALP Active, whose staff also acted as timekeepers and event marshals. Stephen Cheeseman, ALP Active's Head of Community Partnerships, said: 'It's been great to see all the pupils competing and really giving it everything they've got in the spirit of true sportsmanship. 'ALP Active's focus is to provide opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing – both within and outside of our primary and secondary schools – so supporting an event like this falls nicely into our remit.' Most read 300-year-old North East pub sold after its owners decide to retire The historic County Durham village with "timeless charm" and community spirit County Durham takeaway accused of employing illegal workers faces review More than 300 pupils from across the ALP Secondary schools in the trust competed in flat races, relays, javelin, discus, long jump, and more. James Keating, executive headteacher of Greenfield Academy, in Newton Aycliffe, said: 'It's a pleasure to see so many schools and so many children come together to enjoy sport and to compete in a wonderful event. 'I want to say huge thanks to ALP Active and everybody involved for organising the day, and to Shildon Running and Athletics Club for hosting us. It's been brilliant.'
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Care home to host sports day with performance and ice cream
A Newmarket care home is hosting a sports day for the community. Kentford Manor Care Home, in Jeddah Way, has invited residents and members of the public to join them for an afternoon of games on Friday, July 11, from 3.30pm until 6.30pm. There will be several traditional sports day games, including egg-and-spoon races, tug of war, and target challenges for people to enjoy, as well as a chance to win gold medals. After the games, a performance by singer Hedda Carlsen will take place, and the set will include jazz, pop, opera, and musical theatre songs. Attendees will also be able to enjoy a barbecue along with sweet treats from Kelly's Ice Creams. The event will be taking place on July 11 (Image: Supplied) Kat Rayment, general manager at Kentford Manor, said: "We're really looking forward to welcoming the local community to join us for our very own sports day. "We're proud to be part of such a close-knit community here in Newmarket, and events like this are a brilliant way to bring everyone together, enjoying some friendly competition while celebrating the incredible summer of sport we're being treated to, with Wimbledon and the Women's Euro 2025. "It's also a great chance for us to show everybody what life at Kentford Manor is all about. "We're expecting plenty of smiles, laughter, and shared moments. "Community events are a wonderful way for residents to stay active, meet new people, and reconnect with familiar faces. "We can't wait for the games to begin." Kentford Manor offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, along with short-term respite stays. To find out more about Kentford Manor or to book a place at the sports day event, contact Julia Forsyth, the customer relations manager, on 01638 779 596 or email For more information, visit
Telegraph
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Schools cancel sports day because it is too warm
Parents have accused teachers of 'turning kids soft' after a number of schools cancelled sports days, blaming soaring temperatures. Britain is in the grip of its first heatwave of the year, with Saturday expected to join the hottest June days on record as temperatures reach 32C. An amber heat-health alert for all regions in England is in place for the whole of the weekend. The Grange School in Aylesbury, Bucks, called off its sports day on Thursday as a result of the heat, stating that 'the level of risk was too high for both competitors and spectators'. Meanwhile, Sidmouth CofE primary school in Devon cancelled its sports day on Friday, blaming high ultra-violet (UV) levels. Alex Spraggon, its headteacher, said in a letter to parents sent at 6.30am on Friday that the safety and wellbeing of those involved in the event would always come first. 'Our decision comes after considering the latest adverse weather forecast from the Met Office, who forecast 'very high' UV this afternoon, and based on guidance from the UK Health Security Agency. 'The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families always come first. 'The forecast indicates conditions that could potentially compromise outdoor activities, and in accordance with the UKHSA's recommendations, we believe it is in everyone's best interest to postpone the event. 'Although we all look forward to the excitement and community spirit brought by Sports Day, we must prioritise creating a safe environment for our children and all who attend to support.' But residents took to social media to voice their outrage at the situation, accusing the school of making children 'scared of the sun'. 'Embarrassing decision,' the resident wrote on the local Facebook group. 'Summer is for sports, if planned properly kids would be fine! Would of been cancelled for a bit of drizzle as would of slippy [sic]. '[It's] making the kids scared of the sun. Sounds like you work for the Government. Schools have a lot to answer for making our kids turning out so soft.' Over the past three days, there have been warnings of high and very high ultra-violet levels. Although UV is beneficial in small amounts, enabling our skin to produce essential vitamin D and having a beneficial effect on bones, blood cells and the immune system, high levels of exposure increases the risk of sunburn and with it skin cancer. Prof Dorothy Bennet, from St George's, University of London, told the BBC: 'Every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer. 'Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK, the ongoing rise being attributed to sunbathing.' On Friday, the Mayor of London issued a high pollution alert as a result of the ongoing heatwave. Sir Sadiq Khan wrote on X: 'City Hall has triggered a high air pollution alert for Saturday 21 June as hot weather is expected to increase pollutant levels. 'We're urging Londoners to look after themselves, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste.' A spokesman for City Hall said the hot weather was expected to create 'high' ozone levels as the strong and prolonged heat and sunshine reacts with any present pollution. Mete Coban, the deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: 'London's toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, including launching the world's largest clean air zone. 'This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.' Scattered thunderstorms are set to mix with continued high temperatures on Saturday. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning covering all of northern England, from Nottingham up to above Newcastle, will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday.
