Schools celebrate their sports days even in the heatwave

Wellington Eagles and Wellington Lions School enjoyed the sporting events on July 14, with careful planning to protect children from too much sun.

For Wellington Eagles, it was the first opportunity for the Ludgershall school to hold a sports day since it opened in 2019.

The Early Years and Nursery classes sports days had to be cancelled for safety reasons, but parents were able to join the children for a teddy bears picnic in the shade.

With the sports days that did go ahead, executive headteacher Claire Addis made sure each station had huge water containers so children could fill up their bottles. With breaks in between each activity, the children could sit, drink, and cool down.

Ms Addis said: “It is wonderful to be able to welcome parents back on site for our sports day events. For some parents and children, it will be the first time they have experienced this at Wellington Lions, and it was the first one the Wellington Eagles have been able to host since opening in 2019, so that made the day even more special.

“The atmosphere was one of fun and support, with children fully engaged in all the activities they participated in, despite the heat!

“The event really summed up what it means to be part of the Wellington family and it was great fun to hear parents, staff and friends all cheering the participants on.”

School sports day

Parents were able to attend the event and enjoy a picnic in the grounds with their children.  The children at the Wellington Lions school in Tidworth were also enthusiastic about having their sports day once more. 

Activities included the sack race and egg and spoon race, and a new activity which has become popular with the children - Bench Ball.

Parents were resourceful and came equipped with sun tents, and parasols. There were gazebos placed around the fields to ensure shade was available.   

Sixteen students from The Wellington Academy were also on hand all day to supervise the running of both primary events.

Mr Woodley – the PE lead at the Academy - said: “Our students spent the day setting up activities, making sure children had plenty of water and explaining the rules of each activity before starting.

“The experience gives our students a chance to practice their leadership skills and learn what goes into organising and running an event.  They all did amazingly well especially considering the heat.”

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