Coombs were one of the principal supporters of this year’s Canterbury Minilympics.
Over 140 school children from nine local schools took part in the Canterbury Minilympics sports day, to encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Pupils, aged eight and nine, and their teachers got involved in a day of team athletics and sports science tests at the Birley’s Field on Monday, 11 June, which was organised by Canterbury Christ Church University in partnership with The King’s School.
Triple Olympian Hockey Player Jen Wilson, gave the pupils motivational talks about the benefits of excelling in sport and activities included cricket skills run by Kent Women’s Cricket Hannah Jelfs and International cricketer Susie Rowe.
Pupils participated in field testing and athletics which included throwing, jumping and running relays, which was organised by King’s School staff, Spires Academy students and Christ Church Sport.
Women’s Kent Cricketer Hannah Jelfs commented on the day: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people getting involved with cricket,” she said. “There was an element of both enjoyment and competition which is really good. It’s so lovely to see everyone smiling and laughing.”
The teams enjoyed a barbecue lunch and were also given a nutritional talk by Sports Nutritionist Christian Smith. At the end of the day, pupils were awarded medals, goody bags and trophies.
Dave Newhouse, PE Teacher at Hoath Primary School and Chislet Church of England Primary School spoke about the event. He said: “It’s organised, relaxed but a really fun event for the children. It’s a fast-paced day and really interesting for the kids.”
Ryley Collins, who is in Year 4 at Chislet Church of England Primary School, said: “I loved the field testing, especially the sprint speed and agility – it was ten out of ten. “I loved the talks from the Hockey Olympian and about not having so much sugar because I love football.”
Hoath Primary School pupil, nine-year-old Lexie Williams, also said she enjoyed the day. “I like that not everything has been the same. The field testing was good and I’ve had such a good day.”
A collaboration of local organisations
Cristina Astin, Head of Partnerships at The King’s School said: “King’s is delighted to be collaborating for the fourth year running with Canterbury Christ Church University. It’s great to see our students developing their sports leadership skills, together with students from Spires Academy, as they lead some of the sessions with the King’s School. It’s always good to see the sun shining and the facilities being used for the good of the community.”
Coombs are currently on site delivering Canterbury Christ Church University’s new Arts Building. Other sponsors of the event include Bidfood, NCS Technology, Woodley Coles, Betteridge & Milsom and Sturts.
