Grantham schoolchildren compete in Mini Olympics

More than 2,000 schoolchildren descended on The Meres stadium this week to take part in the 11th annual Mini Olympics, organised by Grantham-based sports charity Inspire+.

Now in its 11th year, the three-day sporting event, was themed on ‘A Festival of Sport’ and celebrated the Winter Olympics, Hockey World Cup, The Commonwealth Games and the Football World Cup.

Over 2000 youngsters from primary schools across Grantham, Stamford, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Gainsborough, Lincoln and the surrounding areas took part in the celebration - making it the charity’s biggest Mini Olympics event to date.

The youngsters from Years 2, 3 and 4, got to take part in their own opening and closing ceremony and try up to 14 different Olympic and Paralympic sports including badminton, running, hockey, rugby, wheelchair racing, netball and dancing.

The charities’ ambassadors Sam Ruddock, Jonathan Broom-Edwards, Sarah Outen MBE, Sophie Allen and Ben Smith joined in with the celebrations along with Lincoln City FC player Ellis Chapman.

Operations manager Chris Graves said: “The Mini Olympics is such a magical event for everyone involved. For most of these children it is their first time taking part in a large sports event.”

A number of local businesses sponsored the event and the charity’s Sports Leadership Academy students, Young Ambassador and Apprentices also played a key part in the setting up and running of the games.

Chris added: “Without them it would not be possible. We hope that the children who took part will be inspired to try new sports, become more physically active and lead healthy lifestyles.

“The Mini Olympics is our one mass event of the year and it is great to see all our schools come together after another hugely successful year for Inspire+. We could not run this event without the support of local businesses and the dedication of our team of staff and volunteers. Thank you!”

Inspire+ was established in 2011 to serve schools in South Kesteven and Lincolnshire. They aim to improve the lives for young people through sport and healthy active lifestyles.