Information Bulletin
20 June 2005
Schools Prepare for Mini Games in build up to Main Games
As part of the build up to the 2005 NatWest Island Games in less than three week’s time, schoolchildren from across Shetland will soon be taking part in two spectacular sports festivals. Two “Mini Island Games” events will take place at Clickimin Leisure Complex on Thursday 23rd June and Tuesday 28th June.
Thursday’s event will involve around 60 children with additional support needs from across Shetland compete in the swimming pool in the morning and on the athletics track in the afternoon. The opening ceremony will also feature all participants in a “parade of islands” with each school team representing their adopted islands for the event.
Around 800 schoolchildren will take part in next Tuesday’s event, in day of sport that will include swimming, football, badminton, athletics and indoor bowls competitions. A “funzone” will also offer school pupils the chance to sample other sports activities, such as Tri-Golf – a junior version of the adult game – and a competitive obstacle course.
Twenty-seven Shetland schools will be represented, involving pupils from all primary classes and secondary year one. Schools have been selecting their teams over recent weeks, in preparation for the event. Some smaller rural schools will be entering combined teams to ensure they can field a full team. Fair Isle and Bressay Primaries (school rolls 13 and 32 respectively) for example, are entering a combined squad of seven pupils for the five-a-side football event.
Both events will be co-ordinated by the Active Schools Team and Donna Mainland, Development Officer: Disabilities, of the Council’s Community Development Service. The Additional Support Needs event has also involved Yvonne Clark, PE Teacher for Additional Support Needs, based at the Anderson High School. This is the first time that a schools’ event on this scale has been attempted, although still small in comparison to the week-long Island Games itself, with over 2000 participants expected.
Active Schools Manager with the Council, Philip Ashley-Smith commented – “It has been a challenge to co-ordinate the logistics of both days of the Mini Island Games. The co-operation of school staff has been essential to the planning of the event and special thanks must also go to the Council’s Transport Manager, Ian Bruce who has spent considerable time on the transport arrangements. I hope that all the young people really get a feel for taking part in a major sports event and that inspires them to be healthy and active in the future.”
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