Olympian Tina turns out for Angmering’s sporting spectacular

Hundreds of children from eight primary schools in the area gathered at The Angmering School on Wednesday (June 27), to celebrate their own Olympic festival.

Children from schools in Angmering, Rustington, East Preston, Findon and Clapham took part in more than a dozen sports, all under the watchful gaze of Olympic bronze medallist Tina Cook.

The Olympian – who is set to compete in this summer’s Olympics – helped to launch the sporting extravaganza and captivated the imaginations of the youngsters attending the festivities.

The Findon-based horse rider spoke of her jubilation when she heard about her Olympic selection, last month.

She also told the pupils how she had been determined, from an early age, to succeed in her sport and urged them all to push themselves in what ever they do.

Youngsters from the inter-schools’ Olympic dance group – a band of pupils from various competing schools – impressed spectators with their take on the opening ceremony.

Teams then separated to take part in a range of sports, from athletics and boccia to tug-of-war, representing eight different “countries”.

East Preston Infant School, as France, won the key stage one honours, with Clapham and Patching CE Primary School earning the cup for Olympic values.

The day was organised by Angmering’s PE and advanced skills teacher, Pete Gwynn. He said: “We have been building towards this week for two years, with a number of practice events throughout.

“They have been thoroughly involved and children of all abilities and ages have had the chance to represent their school and country.

“It has been important that The Angmering School, as a sports college, has had the opportunity to influence children in our area to participate in sporting events.

“The London 2012 bid was based on creating a sporting legacy for our youth – we feel our cluster group of schools has embraced this and has gone a long way to achieving it.”

For more pictures, pick up this week’s Gazette (Thursday, July 5).