Rochdale's sporting stars of the future compete in Winter School Games

Siddal Moor Volley Ball Team

A number of schools from across Rochdale took part in the Greater Manchester Winter School Games last week. The schools competed against schools from across Greater Manchester in events including basketball, rugby and swimming.

School gathered at Eastlands Indoor Athletics Centre for the opening ceremony of the Greater Manchester Sainsbury’s Winter School Games, where Mancunian group The Mend performed, as well as a number of dance groups from schools across the county.

Smithy Bridge Primary School finished in first place in the rugby competition. Jane George, Headteacher said: “We are thrilled about the results for our tag rugby team. This is an excellent outcome and a bit of a surprise although we did believe that we had a strong team.”

Meanwood Primary school came in fifth place after competing in the mini basketball competition. A spokesperson for Meanwood Primary School said: “We are extremely pleased with the Mini Basketball team and their achievements.”

Siddal Moor Sports College competed in the volleyball competition and secured second place. Mr Aspden, Deputy Headteacher at Siddal Moor said: “We are always very proud of the sporting achievements of all our pupils and we have high hopes that this will continue into the future. We would like to pass on our congratulations to all teams that took part in the Winter School Games.”

Wardle Academy’s Year 8 swimming team took part in the day’s event. Charley Godsman came third in her breaststroke heat, Bethany Roscoe came fourth in the butterfly, Niamh Roche came in fourth in the freestyle and Philippa Lord came in fifth in the backstroke. The boys also swam well with Alfie Durkin placing third in his heat of freestyle and William Kerr coming third in the butterfly. Louis Garvin came fourth in the breaststroke and Harry Tait came fourth in the backstroke. When the times were combined from both heats and results were announced, the boys came fifth overall and the girls sixth.

Wardle Academy Swimming Team

Miss Sarah Bowler, who took the students to the competition, said: “All pupils had a great day out and enjoyed the experience of swimming against extremely high level competitors."

Eight students from Redwood Secondary School represented Rochdale in the Swimming at the Aquatics Centre. The rest of the group then played in the Tag Rugby tournaments. The Man of the Match for the under 16s went to Robert in Key Stage Three and Sheraz in Key Stage Four.

A spokesperson for Redwood Secondary School said: “Well done to those youngsters who were part of Team Rochdale at the Greater Manchester Winter Games. It was a fantastic day for everybody and the weather was even good.”

Other schools and their competitions were:

• Gymnastics: Kentmere Primary, Middleton Parish School and Norden Community Primary School. 
• Hockey: Norden Community Primary School. 
• Inclusive Tennis: Falinge Park High School. 
• Lacrosse: Norden Community Primary School and St James CE Primary School. 
• Rugby Union: Holy Family RC Primary School. 
• Squash: St John's RC Primary School and Norden Community Primary School. 
• Swimming: St Thomas More RC Primary School. 
• Table Tennis: Oulder Hill Community School. 
• Water Polo: Cardinal Langley RC High School. 

200 individuals who were not competing in the event formed the School Games Crew. These young people helped run the competition with the organisers.

Garry, a Year 11 student at Redwood Secondary School, was selected by the Greater Manchester Organising Committee to act as a VIP tour guide of the various sporting venues of the games. This involved Garry meeting local mayors and making a speech to the VIP guests. A spokesperson for Redwood Secondary School said: “What a great experience for Garry. All at Redwood are proud that he was selected. Well done Garry.”