Nearly 2,000 children and young people from 60 schools took part in a major county sporting event this month.

Children take part in the gymnastics at the eventChildren take part in the gymnastics at the event (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The annual Herefordshire Summer School Games Festival brought together 1,944 participants and young leaders for a day of sport and physical activity. Young people, representing 60 primary, secondary and SEND schools from across Herefordshire, congregated at Hereford Halo Leisure Centre to take part in a diverse range of activities from handball to tennis.

Martial arts were on the list of events on the dayMartial arts were on the list of events on the day (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The festival featured a combination of 15 participation and competitive events, including rounders, tri-golf, cheerleading, target sports, touch rugby, girls' football, dodgeball, athletics, handball, netball, infant agility, volleyball, mini tennis, and multi-skills.

Boys take part in netball at the Herefordshire Summer GamesBoys take part in netball at the Herefordshire Summer Games (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The wide range of opportunities for young people were supported by a team of 231 young leaders, from nine local schools and colleges across Herefordshire. The young leaders played a vital role in officiating activities, providing coaching and motivating participants.

Children tried their hand at cheerleadingChildren tried their hand at cheerleading (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The School Games arena was supported by a range of local clubs and organisations. They gave young people the opportunity to learn new activities, skills and embrace the School Games values, with exciting activities and sports like bhangra dancing, squash and spikeball.

Moovin the Herefordshire Summer Games mascotMoovin the Herefordshire Summer Games mascot (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The Herefordshire School Games programme aims to inspire thousands of young people across Herefordshire to be physically active for life through positive experiences of daily activity and competition.

Inclusive curling at Herefordshire Summer GamesInclusive curling at Herefordshire Summer Games (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

Kieram Hallam, school games organiser at Stride Active, said “The Herefordshire Summer School Games Festival is one of the highlights of the Herefordshire calendar for so many schools and this year we were thrilled to be able to offer so many activities and events.

Rounders proved popular on the dayRounders proved popular on the day (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

"We saw so many smiling faces during the day and with a summer of sport including the Olympics, Euros and Wimbledon, to name a few, we hope that children have gone back to school inspired by the activities they have done.

Lugwardine pupils with their team awardLugwardine pupils with their team award (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

"We would like to express our gratitude to premier sponsor for the event, Hoople Group, for their continued support and involvement with the Herefordshire School Games programme”.

The teams gave volleyball a good goThe teams gave volleyball a good go (Image: Herefordshire Summer Games)

The Herefordshire School Games is delivered by Stride Active and Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and made possible through National Lottery and Sport England funding.

For more information around the Herefordshire School Games, along with the full results, please visit: www.activehw.co.uk/herefordshire-school-games or contact Emma Gardner on emma@strideactive.org