Sister schools compete at annual  festival of sport

Sister schools compete at annual festival of sport

15th March 2016

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SPORTY students from a Northumberland academy took the honours when family ties turned into friendly sibling rivalry at a festival of sport.

The annual Emmanuel Schools Foundation 'Olympics' brings together students across the year groups and from across the north in a day of competition.

Students from Bede Academy, in Blyth, travelled to Middlesbrough where it was the turn of The King's Academy, to host the get-together for Bede and its other two sister schools, Emmanuel College, Gateshead, and Trinity Academy, from Thorne, near Doncaster.

Year 7 students took part in cross country, Year 8 girls in netball, Year 9 fought for the honours in football and hockey, Year 10 in rugby and sixth formers stayed indoors for a volleyball tournament.

As well as each school bringing PE teachers and coaches, the day was supported by local officials.

Director of sport at The King's Academy, Chris Lynch, said: "We had a great day in good Spring conditions and saw some outstanding talent and excellent sportsmanship."

After all the competitions, Bede Academy led the overall standings following wins in the cross country, football and rugby and coming runners-up in the volleyball and hockey.

After a match tea provided by The King's Academy, principal David Dawes told the students: "What a fantastic day with high levels of endeavour, activity and competitive team spirit which you can take and use profitably in your own lives and in the service of others."

Principal of Bede Academy Gwyneth Evans said: "All the students love having the chance to represent the academy and this year's 'Olympics' squad really did us proud with some exceptional results.

"The quality of sporting performance within the ESF schools is very high so it's rewarding for our students to have proved so competitive and equally to have played in such a spirit of sportsmanship and friendship.

For the boys playing rugby it was especially important as the competition contributes towards selection for a place on the prestigious ESF Lions squad later this year.

Instead of a winner's trophy, the 'Olympics' cup gets passed on to the next school to host the competition which, in 2017, is Emmanuel College.

 

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