Once again, the annual Mini Olympics proved to be a great success. The 7^th Mini Olympics held at Eslaforde Park, marked 86 days until the start of the Rugby Union World Cup which will be hosted in England.

The Mini Olympic organisers and volunteers promoted the core values of the Rugby World Cup to help inspire and motivate the young athletes from twenty schools. They participated and enjoyed a wide range of sports some of which they had not tried before.

The event was based upon the core theme of enjoyment; the events were non-competitive which helped emphasise the idea of taking part and enjoying sport rather than the pressures of winning. There were eleven different activities ranging from volleyball and lacrosse to rugby orientated activities like the ‘Haka’ and rugby rounders. These activities were led by young leaders and volunteers from local secondary schools that showed great encouragement and support to the primary school children.

Two local special guests joined the event. Thomas Tolbert (11) who has cerebral palsy is the current Race Runner Under 12 National Champion in the 100m, 200m and the 400m. The other was Christopher Davies (16) who is an international Triathlete having competed in the European Championships and soon to compete in the World Championships in September. These two sporting individuals shared their personal experiences in sport and emphasised the importance of enjoyment of all sporting activities.

The Mini Olympics was partly funded by North Kesteven District Council and Partnership NK. These organisations were represented by Luisa McIntosh and Wendy Davies. Luisa McIntosh said ‘It is great to see the events are not about competition and offers a broad range of sports to the children.’

Ian Fytche (Chief Executive of the North Kesteven District Council) attended the event. He said ‘It’s great to see lots of participation and contrasts in sport. It’s great to see children involved in sport and having fun whilst doing it.’

The annual Summer Games took meticulous planning from organisers. The main organiser Mr Andy Allen said ‘The Mini Olympics is about participation and enjoyment aimed at children who may not usually represent their schools. We have created a fun, enjoyable environment for all and we hope everyone [children, volunteers and teachers] have enjoyed themselves and gained as much from the day as possible.’

The event ended as it had started with a ceremony; each school represented a different sporting nation and the end was a celebration of the children’s intrinsic achievements throughout the day. There were awards for the school which had demonstrated the most enjoyment. These medals were sponsored by Hodgson Elkington Junior Sport Programme and the winners were Metheringham Primary School.

Everyone left with a smile on their face with many of them hoping to return next year!