17-07-2025
'Spirit of true sportsmanship' as 300 pupils compete in County Durham sports day
YOUNG athletes from secondary schools all over County Durham competed together at a trust-wide sports day.
Pupils from schools that make up the Advance Learning Partnership (ALP) gathered at Shildon Running and Athletics Club to face off in a series of track and field events.
Guy Gray, Head of PE at Parkside Academy, in Willington, spearheaded organisation of the day. He said: 'Events like this are so important because they give young people a chance to compete, to try their hands at different events, and to represent their school with pride.
'For many of the pupils, this will be their first time taking part in any competition outside their own school. Just getting the opportunity to compete against others can have a profound impact on wellbeing and self-confidence.
'I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part – they've taken it seriously and conducted themselves as true ambassadors for their schools and their sports.'
The event was sponsored by the education trust's community outreach arm, ALP Active, whose staff also acted as timekeepers and event marshals.
Stephen Cheeseman, ALP Active's Head of Community Partnerships, said: 'It's been great to see all the pupils competing and really giving it everything they've got in the spirit of true sportsmanship.
'ALP Active's focus is to provide opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing – both within and outside of our primary and secondary schools – so supporting an event like this falls nicely into our remit.'
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More than 300 pupils from across the ALP Secondary schools in the trust competed in flat races, relays, javelin, discus, long jump, and more.
James Keating, executive headteacher of Greenfield Academy, in Newton Aycliffe, said: 'It's a pleasure to see so many schools and so many children come together to enjoy sport and to compete in a wonderful event.
'I want to say huge thanks to ALP Active and everybody involved for organising the day, and to Shildon Running and Athletics Club for hosting us. It's been brilliant.'
