Herefordshire School Games returns for October 2024

709 pupils descended on Hereford Leisure Centre on October 8, as part of the largest-ever Herefordshire Values Festival, which has been running for four years.

Hundreds of pupils from across the county took part in the event. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire) The games welcomed 31 schools across the county,  who were supported by 96 young leaders from six local high schools and sixth forms.

The young leaders were on hand to help throughout the event. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire)

The Values Festival is centred around the five key behaviours, qualities, and interpersonal skills of a good sportsperson. These values are respect, teamwork, passion, self-belief and determination.

Pupils took part in hoop throwing events at the leisure centre. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire) Hundreds of young people took part in different sports and activities, each one aimed at developing skills, and confidence, and giving young people a positive experience of sport and physical activity.

Schools from across the county got stuck into the different activites. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire) Some of the exciting activities on offer at the festival included golf, inclusive sports, athletics, tennis, team building and multi-skills, all supported by young leaders.

Earl Mortimer College students opened the event (Image: Stride Active)

The School Games programme in Herefordshire says it gives young people the chance to take part in sporting activities, giving them a taste of both participation and competition.

Schools tried their hand at some tennis, learning different skills for the game. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire) The programme offers a huge variety of activities and sports, from tennis, golf, sports hall athletics, and multi skills to inclusive bowling, dodgeball and team building.

Kimbolton Primary School pupils picking up the ball off the cones in multiskills (Image: Stride Active)

The young leaders, who supported the activities, identified teams that demonstrated the values throughout the day.

A pupil from Sutton Primary Academy taking part in multi sports. (Image: Stride Active)

At each event, teams of young people were presented with individual medals and an award to take back to their school, based on the value they displayed.

A rainbow shone over the festival, rounding off a happy day. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire) Kieram Hallam, school games organiser in Herefordshire, said that the Values Festival is a fantastic opportunity for young people across the county to represent their school, and experience different sports activities.

 “It’s a chance for them to explore and develop the values which they then can apply outside of this experience," he added.

The pupils were awarded with different values for the events. (Image: Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire)

Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said the annual Values Games provided a brilliant opportunity for children and young people who may not be engaged in sports, to try a new activity in a safe and fun environment.

"A love for sport and physical activity can be sparked from a young age, and positive experiences like this event can open doors and make lasting memories.

"A lot of hard work goes into making the event happen, and I am delighted that we have been able to create something special once more for children and young people across the county."