THE annual Herefordshire Summer School Games Festival brought together over 1,500 children and young people in a Commonwealth Games-style showpiece.

The students, representing 49 primary, secondary and special schools across Herefordshire, came together at Hereford Leisure Centre to take part in activities.

The festival featured a mixture of 13 competitive and participation events, including: rounders, tri-golf, rugby, tennis, dance, multiskills, sports hall athletics, inclusive athletics, lacrosse, frisbee, dodgeball, handball and table cricket. Providing a range of diverse opportunities for young Herefordians, the event was supported by a team of 50 Young Leaders, from local schools and colleges across Herefordshire, organising activities and recording the highlights of the day.

In addition, this year’s event was particularly special, with an added Commonwealth Games theme.

Double silver Paralympic medallist and Birmingham Commonwealth Games competitor, Rebecca Redfern attended the day to welcome schools at the opening ceremony, as well as inspire, support and encourage young people taking part.

Funded by the National Lottery, Sport England, organised by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and delivered in partnership with Stride Active, the programme aims to inspire millions of children and young people to take part in school competition, as well as participation events across the country.

Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “We are delighted to be able to host our first Summer Herefordshire School Games Festival since 2019.

"This event has always been a pinnacle of our annual School Games calendar."

For more information around the Herefordshire School Games, along with the full results, please visit: www.activehw.co.uk/herefordshire-school-games or contact Sarah Millward on s.milward@worc.ac.uk or call 07766 991855.