"We are the Champions!” Success at Inspiration Trust’s biggest event of the year.

On Friday 28th June, Inspiration Trust welcomed pupils from across all nine secondary schools to compete in the Champions Day Athletics Meet held at the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark. The event brought together students from across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, totalling over 750 involved in the competition – the highest number of participants in an Inspiration Trust sports event yet! 

Being the biggest sports events in Inspiration Trust calendar, this was a chance for pupils to show off their athletics skills using a high-quality outdoor venue and cheer their peers on to the finish line with gusto. The event was made even more incredible due to the gazebo and professionally printed programmes that were generously donated in sponsorship of the event by Wensum Print, located in Norwich. During the day, the students competed in several different track and field events; track events ranged from 100m sprints to 800m, culminating in the 4 x 100m relay races. Field events consisted of long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put and discus. Every pupil competed with excellence, showing respect for opponents, along with courage and sheer determination. 

Paul Wayman, Inspiration Trust Sports Coordinator said: 

"Another marvellous Champions Day was had by all at the UEA Sportspark. Thank you to the UEA staff that work incredibly hard to provide us with an elite track and field arena in which to compete. 

 

There were over 120 races completed and 5 Inspiration Trust track records and 11 field records broken. This was not only an opportunity for those already interested in athletics to show off their talents, but also gave pupils the opportunity to experience what a competition might entail and practice their track and field skills in an elite setting.

 

The event also aimed to encourage more students to take part in sports activities and athletics, both in and outside of a school environment.  

 

A big thank you goes to Clive from Norfolk Athletics, who with our Trust staff facilitated the smooth running of the track events, and the PE teachers and staff from our schools that ran the different field events during the day.”  

Clive Poyner, Chair of Athletics Norfolk and Norfolk Sportshall Athletics said: 

“It is great to see so many youngsters enjoying the sport of athletics at the Inspiration Trust’s Champions Day. The sport offers such a diverse range of events that everyone can find something that they well may excel at with a little perseverance and practice. With friendly clubs across the county there are plenty of pathways into the sport.”  

For each field event and for races on the track, gold, silver and bronze medals were given to the winning pupils. Oli Smith from Wensum Print was in attendance to present the Champions Day trophy to Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, winning an impressive 3 out of 4 of the year group competitions. This is testament to the hard work and dedication the staff and students have put into preparing for this event. The day concluded with individual awards to show recognition to the athletes who not only competed at a high level but exhibited sporting values throughout the event and were based off the Olympic and Paralympic values. 

Individual Awards - (Awarded by Norfolk Athletics & Wensum Print) 

Inspiration Trust prides itself on its sports provision which not only includes a nationally recognised sports curriculum but includes half-termly trust-wide sports competitions. Through taking part in sporting competitions students are given the chance to shine outside of the classroom and learn vital skills such as the importance of teamwork, determination, patience and perseverance. It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function and improves overall well-being through having fun and making friendships.