Sutton school wins double award for keeping sport going

Mapplewells Primary & Nursery School has been honoured by the School Games organisation for the way it has adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic to keep sport going.

Glynn Hall is Ashfield School Games organiser, said: “Mapplewells engaged in all aspects of the district School Games programme prior to lockdown and since have provided their pupils with a fantastic virtual programme including supporting the district’s School Games activities and taking part in their Flying High Trust virtual sports day.

"The two awards recognise Mapplewells’ commitment to providing high quality PE, school sport and physical activity to all their pupils.”

Tom Darby, PE lead at the trust, said: “During the first few weeks of lockdown we had so many pupils taking part in virtual challenges and the engagement we had was incredible.

"This has continued through the past few months and offering the pupils and parents various virtual challenges has kept up both the participation and the enjoyment.

“This double award is deserved by all of our Mapplewellian family and I would like to thank Glynn for all his hard work over the past year.”

Ellis Senior was one Mapplewell pupil who took part in activities throughout.

He said: “I have represented school at football, swimming and rowing. It meant a lot to me to be a part of these teams.

Fellow pupils Oliver Hardwick and Owen Fincha also agreed they both enjoyed the rowing and athletics.

Grant Worthington, Mapplewells head teacher, commented: “Receiving the double school games award makes me immensely proud.

"Staff have worked extremely hard to support our School Games opportunities this year, delivering a range of after school activities as well as attending competitions and festivals with our children.

"Alongside this, the support we have received from parents has been phenomenal.

"We always have lots of parents supporting with these events, and this certainly helps to motivate our children to try their best.

"To have offered so many children the chance to represent our school has been brilliant.”