Pupils strike gold at school games

JUMP TO IT . . . Brooke Jones, of Christ Church Primary School, claimed gold as Oldham youngsters starred in the gymnastics category at the Greater Manchester Sainsbury’s Winter School Games. PICTURE by VINCENT BROWN

CHRIST Church Primary School starlet Brooke Jones defied the odds to win a dream gymnastics gold medal at the Greater Manchester Sainsbury’s Winter School Games.

Despite taking part in the Year Three/Four individual event against children who compete regionally and nationally for gymnastics clubs

outside of school, Brooke triumphed thanks to three almost flawless routines in the vault, the floor and body management.

Christ Church PE teacher Lee Whitehead said: “Brooke started gymnastics at school last year and she showed real promise.

“After a few sessions we invited her to our after-school club and she has progressed every week.

“Brooke has outstanding natural talents that have been nurtured and developed by some excellent coaching at school.

“However, she now hopes to go on to a gymnastics club too, where she can continue to develop her skills.”

Nearly 2,000 pupils, competing in 14 disciplines, gathered at Sport City for the games.

A number of world-class venues were used, including the Manchester Aquatics Centre, National Cycling Centre and National Squash Centre.

Brooke’s feat was matched by Lucy Ashton of Mills Hill Primary School (Years One/Two) and Aiden Johnson, representing Higher Failsworth (Years Five/Six).

A team from Higher Failsworth were also runners-up in the Year Five/Six section.

Radcliffe School (Years Seven to Nine) came first in Boccia — a target balls sport — as did Saddleworth School in tennis (year groups combined) and in Year Seven/Eight girls swimming.

Newbridge School emerged victorious in the under-19s rugby and Failsworth School (Years 10/11) were second in squash. categories

Our Lady’s (Years Seven/Eight) and Crompton House (Years Seven-to-Nine) were third in the two volleyball categories.

Yvonne Harrison, CEO of GreaterSport, part of the organising committee for the games, said: “It was fantastic to see so many schools from across Greater Manchester taking part.

“After speaking to the young people, it clarified what I believe about the event. It is a great

opportunity for young people to get involved in sport, increase their confidence and, for some of them, have a life-changing effect.

“Greater Manchester really does have a phenomenal amount of talent and I’m sure for many this is just the start of their sporting journey.”