Sporting students end the year on an athletic note

SCHOOLCHILDREN have been rewarded for their sporting prowess as they ended the year on an athletic note.

West Park Academy in Darlington turned out in force for a sports day that captured the ‘spirit of the games’.

Darlington’s school games organiser Aly Raw presented the academy with the gold Sainsbury’s School Games Mark, a national accolade that recognises a commitment to PE and sport.

Tees Valley Sport’s mascot, Champ, was invited along to celebrate the academy becoming one of only three schools in Darlington to secure gold.

Pupils paraded around the yard sporting flags they had made capturing the Spirit of the Games featuring qualities such as determination, passion, honesty, self-belief, teamwork and respect.

Mrs Raw said: “Securing gold is something the children and staff can be extremely proud of as it places them among the most active students in the country.”

Principal Catherine Thompson added: “Being involved in sport is important to children’s development. The sports ethos transfers to academic studies and the benefits of fitness to their overall wellbeing are immense.