The MSSP Sportshall Development Festival took place on Friday 19th January with 12 schools from Merton attending St Marks Academy. The festival is taken from the Sporthall Sthletics format but redesigned to encourage participation in sport with the focus being on providing pupils with a fantastic opportunity to try a range of sports in a fun and enjoyable environment.
There were 6 field stations for pupils to take part in and each school team played against or alongside a different school throughout the areas. The stations consisted of Javelin, Hi-Steppers, Standing Long Jump, Standing Triple Jump, Chest Push and Speed Bounce. After the field events the participants then took to the track to compete in an obstacle race and an over/under race. The attitude of all the pupils taking part was wonderful. Everyone represented their school team with great joy and tried their best at each station. This energy filled the arena and gave the whole day a great feeling for all who attended.
To encourage participation at the inclusive festival we did not record any official results or placings. All the teams were presented with a participation certificate – well done to all.
Thanks also for all the support from the staff at the St marks Academy for going above and beyond to help us host and for facilitating a special atmosphere making the school pupils and staff feel so welcome.