AN Olympic hockey star watched hundreds of schoolchildren compete in one of the biggest sporting contests in the region.

Inspirational Olympian Kirsty Mackay, who went to the Rio Olympics as part of the GB hockey team, was with more than 700 children at the Herefordshire Winter School Games.

She told the youngsters, who represented more than 40 schools, about her journey to become a top level sportswoman and how they could achieve their dreams with hard work and dedication.

Starting as a footballer at school, Kirsty made the transition to hockey on the advice of her PE teacher and became part of the England U16 squad when she was just 13.

She has since represented England and Great Britain in the Champions Trophy and World Hockey League as well as the Olympics.

Recognising that the School Games can be the starting point for young people she said: “It was great meeting all the young participants and volunteers and seeing their enthusiasm for sports at such a young age.

"Events such as the Herefordshire School Games are so important for young people to experience and I hope that my visit will have inspired some of them to realise their ambitions.”

The Herefordshire Winter School Games, which took place across two sites at Hereford Leisure Centre and Holmer Church of England Academy last week, let children ranging in age from seven to 16 battle it out for the title of Herefordshire School Games Champion in 14 competitions across eight different sports.

The games, organised by the Local Organising Committee, Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Herefordshire School Games Organisers, were supported by 70 young leaders from local schools and colleges across Herefordshire aiming to develop leadership skills which included officiating and event organisation.

There was intense competition among the 15 primary schools in the high 5 netball competition with England Netball representatives commenting on the standard of play.

They hoped that many of the young people would continue their netball by joining local clubs.

The competition was won by Eastnor Primary in a close game with Brampton Abbots in a game that went to ‘golden goal’.

The School Games also have their own set of ‘Olympic values’ which everyone participating had to commit to uphold. In the opening ceremony, the Right Worshipful Mayor Hereford, Jim Kenyon urged the young people to enjoy the competition and live the values of determination and teamwork in all that they do.

Young people routinely shook hands at the end of matches and recognised good play by their team and the opposition.

Tim Knapp, Head of the Herefordshire School Games Local Organising Committee said: “Our School Games are a fantastic celebration of what makes our community so special.

"Young people from across the county came together to participate and compete in a range of sports and they did so with kindness, respect and consideration for others.

"The young leaders, responsible for running the day, acted as coaches and referees and did a magnificent job. I would also like pay tribute to the organisers and to the schools who have given so much to make it a success.

"It is a great honour to be a part of such an event and I look forward to it going from strength to strength."

The winners were as follows:

High 5 Netball - Eastnor

Quicksticks Hockey - Trinity

Sportshall Athletics - Orleton

Badminton Key stage 3 Girls - Lady Hawkins

Badminton Key Stage 4 Girls - Hereford Cathedral

Badminton Key Stage 3 Boys - John Masefield

Badminton Key Stage 4 Boys - Lady Hawkins

Year 8 Hockey - Hereford Cathedral

Sportshall Athletics Year 7 Girls - Weobley

Sportshall Athletics Year 8 Girls - Weobley

Sportshall Athletics Year 7 Boys - John Masefield and Weobley were joint winners

Sportshall Athletics Year 8 Boys - Weobley

Junior Inclusion Football - Bishops

Senior Inclusion Football - Bishops