Teamwork on Show at 14th Black Country School Games

“They’ve really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for them to go back and tell the rest of the children how amazing it’s been.” Jodie Taylor, a teacher at Westcroft School in Wolverhampton.

Around 1,000 pupils from 88 schools showcased their passion for sports and activity at the 14th Black Country School Games hosted on the Walsall Campus of the University of Wolverhampton.

The event was organised by Active Black Country, the Healthy Spaces team at Walsall Council and local School Games Organisers. Sports and activity trails included cricket, dance, dodgeball, handball, netball, baseball, golf, judo, kabaddi, and multi-skills for SEND teams.

Outdoor activities were held under blue skies, with indoor events staged in the sports hall. Schoolchildren lit up the Games with their smiles and energetic performances, creating special memories.

Jodie Taylor, a teacher at Westcroft School in Wolverhampton, brought nine of her SEN pupils to the Games and said they’d had a blast: “They have all said it’s the best day they've had out. The children really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for them to go back and tell the rest of the children how amazing it’s been.

“We’ve got a few children that are a little bit inactive but they have taken part in everything. I can go back and tell the parents and school that they have done 5 hours of activities, which is really, really good. Every instructor has been very inclusive."

Dan Nicholls, Headteacher at Palmers Cross Primary School in Wolverhampton, said the event had been a great experience for his students. “It’s about the togetherness. Our pupils have all been motivating each other to do well. It’s nice to see the teamwork. They have all had a go at the events,” he said.

Gemma Parker, a School Games Organiser for Sandwell who helped deliver Year 1 and 2 multiskills, said: “The children have been buzzing, zipping around, enjoying themselves and laughing. It’s a really friendly environment.”

Sports leader Isabella Clarke, 12, from Ellowes Hall School in Dudley, said the best thing about the School Games was helping out with the children doing the sports. “It’s nice because you build new friendships and you can do it with everyone.”

The events programme gave schoolchildren the opportunity to participate in sports, activities and cultural experiences that they may not have tried before, as part of wider efforts to encourage young people to lead more active lifestyles.

The overall winner was Wolverhampton, with the local authority picking up the Joel Richards Spirit of the Games trophy. The Black Country School Games supports the charity ‘Smile for Joel’, which was set up in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Tunisia. Thirty-eight tourists died, including Joel, his Grandad Pat and his Uncle Ade. Joel Richards was one of the young ambassadors at the very first Black Country School Games Festival back in 2011.

Thanks to all partners involved in organising the 14th Black Country School Games, including the Smile for Joel charity, Staffordshire Cricket, British Judo Association, Walsall FC Foundation, British Dodgeball, BBX Fitness, Epic Dance Academy, Box Clever, Score UK, Spin Sonic Circus, Oxley Golf Club, Heath Park School, Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, Wood Green Academy, Ellowes Hall Sports College, Living Streets, and Wolverhampton Wrestling Club.