Pupils tackle orienteering challenge

3:05pm Monday 6th October 2008

CHILDREN from 33 primary schools across west Wiltshire were able to try their hand at orienteering as part of a sports festival.

The West Wiltshire Schools Sport Partnership hosted two days of orienteering at Brokerswood Country Park near Westbury on Wednesday and Thursday.

Matt Andrews, a school sports co-ordinator based at the John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, is behind the orienteering event, which has been running for the past four years.

He said: "The feedback we had from the pupils, who are in years 5 and 6 has been great.

"Orienteering is something they wouldn't necessarily have had the chance to try and it is something that meant they could all work as a team.

"There were two routes, which were slightly different distances, the first being between 800 metres and 1,500 metres and the second being between two and three kilometres.

"The second one is timed, but the whole event is not a competition, it is more a chance to give the children the chance to try something new.

"They all really enjoyed themselves and said how much fun they were having when they were taking part. The country park is ideal for such an event as it is so well maintained and perfect for orienteering excercises."

The West Wiltshire School Sports Partnership holds a number of events over the course of a year and schools in the area have their own dedicated school sports co-ordinator.

Mr Andrews takes care of extra sporting events for schools in Trowbridge and the surrounding villages.

Mr Andrews said they hold traditional events like football, gym, tennis and dance, as well as a swimming gala.

Anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.westwiltsssp.org.uk

Theatre, Art & Cinema