Sporting excellence

THEY’RE OFF! The boys’ cross-country event organised by school sports co-ordinators

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COUNTHILL Schools Sports Partnership is celebrating after winning a national award for its work in local schools.

The Partnership received the quality Kite Mark Award on behalf of 64 primary and secondary schools.

The nine secondary schools including Counthill, Breezehill, Blue Coat, Hathershaw, Crompton House, New Bridge, North Chadderton, Royton and Crompton and St Augustine’s worked with their 55 feeder schools to increase the number of pupils taking part in two hours of high quality PE and sport a week.

From a figure of 53 per cent in 2004, last year’s survey showed a massive rise in activity to a whopping 94 per cent of five to 16-year-old pupils.

Some of the activities that led to the award included cross-country running and cheerleading sessions.

Paul Clarke, partnership development manager, said: “This really is a team effort and I want to thank the school sport co-ordinators, all primary PE co-ordinators, Oldham sports development and all the head teachers.

“The aim now is to offer pupils, aged five to 16, an opportunity to take part in five hours of high quality PE and sport a week.

“Students, aged 16 to 19, will be targeted with an offer of three hours a week.”