PRIMARY schools have gone wild for indoor athletics competitions organised through School Sport Partnerships, with over a hundred schools taking part across Leeds.

The events involved 30 children per school, who all participated in a number of field and track races.

The format of the competitions creates an electrifying atmosphere with over a hundred children in one sports hall cheering on their team mates. Secondary school Sports Leaders are an integral workforce behind the event coaching, demonstrating and officiating events.

Since the Government Sports Premium funding was distributed to primary schools in September 2013, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of schools entering School Sport Partnership competitions.

There has always been a core of committed schools interested in PE and sporting opportunities, but with the funding in place, more schools are taking up PE around Leeds.

Competition is valuable for children’s development as those taking part learn key life skills.

Natalie Mallinson, School Games Organiser for the Leeds North West School Sport Partnership, based at St Mary’s, Menston said: “It is fantastic to see so many schools excited by athletics, and it is our biggest event of the year. A huge amount of work goes into preparing children for the competition and this demonstrates the commitment we are now seeing from many teachers, staff and parents.”