Oaklands College Hosts Herts School Games Celebration 2024

Last Friday, Oaklands College proudly hosted the annual Herts School Games Celebration event, drawing in approximately 600 young participants from across Hertfordshire. The day was a vibrant showcase of youth talent, teamwork and the spirit of sportsmanship.

The event, designed to provide children and young people with the experience of a major sporting event, commenced with an opening ceremony led by two young sporting ambassadors from Aboyne Lodge School in St Albans. The special guest for the ceremony was renowned sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a core member of Team GB’s sprint relay team. Aikines-Aryeetey, a three-time gold medallist at the European Championships and a multiple Commonwealth Games medallist, shared inspiring words with the young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.

A large contingent of VIPs attended the event, including the High Sheriff, local Mayors and Councillors, representatives from Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust, headteachers and members of the Hertfordshire Sports Partnership (HSP) board. The presence of these distinguished guests emphasised the significance of the event and the vital role of sports in youth development.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of sports activities, reflecting the event’s focus on the Hertfordshire School Games’ ‘Aspire and Develop’ and ‘Inspire and Engage’ categories. Events included:

• Active 60 Carousel: An engagement activity for Year 4 students from local schools aimed at promoting physical activity.
• Ultimate Frisbee: A reward event for Year 5 students.
• Herts a Knockout: An event for Year 8 students encouraging wider participation in sports.
• Inclusive Cricket and Golf: Activities for KS2 mainstream pupils with additional needs, promoting inclusivity and development.
• Inclusive Transition/Path to Paris: Aimed at Year 6 and Year 7 pupils with additional needs, this event helped students transition smoothly from primary to secondary school with the support of Inclusion Champions.
• Tennis Skills Festival and Tennis Activities: Events for Year 3 and Year 4 students, focusing on those new to the sport.
• Girls Football: An initiative for Year 3 girls who are not part of school teams or clubs, encouraging greater participation in football.

The day’s activities were overseen by leaders from the Herts Coaching Academy and local secondary schools, ensuring a well-organised and supportive environment for all participants. The event was captured by a dedicated young media team, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm of the participants.

The Herts School Games is a national initiative funded by the Sport England National Lottery programme and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust. In Hertfordshire, the programme is executed by 12 School Games Organisers (SGOs), offering opportunities for all pupils aged 7-16. The initiative aims to positively impact children’s lives through sport and physical activity, focusing on tackling inequalities, promoting physical literacy and enhancing youth engagement.

Principal and Senior Leadership Team of Oaklands College, along with Heads of Sports Academies, expressed their pride in hosting such a meaningful event.