PULSE Ashford’s Sports Day with a Difference


Back in June nearly 200 children descended on Julie Rose Athletics Stadium, Ashford, for a sports day with a difference. We at Kent Sport were kindly invited to come along to see what it was all about.


With grey clouds ominously looming overhead, the pupils, from Smarden and Pluckley primary schools, began the day with an Olympics inspired opening ceremony. Carrying banners and flags they paraded in front of the main stand to offer proud parents a photo opportunity, before splitting up to start the activities.


Events on offer included a tug of war, shuttle runs, multi skills, hoop races, relays and javelin, with children rotating round each station in groups. The different activities gave the children the opportunity to test themselves at a range of skills and offered an alternative to those who might usually be put off by more traditional sports.


This was the second running of the event and this year’s organisation was led by the new Smarden PE co- ordinator Heidi Nesbit. When Heidi, who wasn’t involved with the previous edition, took on her role a venue was already in place, she just had to decide what was going to happen.


She said; “It is hard working with another school as there are a lot of


children, however the benefits are that the costs are split and there is healthy competition. Although it is hard work, it is an amazing day and well worth the hassle.”


Although no other parties were involved in the organisation this year, Heidi did receive some help from Team Theme, an organisation who specialise in primary school sports and curriculum PE coaching. They introduced themselves as Pluckley and Smarden will be using them to help run next year’s event.


Unfortunately the pessimistic weather forecast proved accurate and the day had to be cut slightly short as heavy rain sent all participants running for cover. It didn’t seem to affect the children’s enjoyment however and we would like to congratulate all involved on a fun and successful day.


“The event was initiated in previous years due to the Primary School Sports Premium and when I took on my role as PE co-ordinator the venue was already booked and so I just had to come up with what was going to happen on the day. Its very hard working with another school as there are a lot of children however the costs are split and there is healthy competition.


There were 6 events: Tug of war, shuttle runs, multi skills, hoop races, relay, javelin and it was a lot of hard work but well worth the hassle. It was an amazing day although a little rainy but everyone really enjoyed it!!”. Heidi Nesbitt, Smarden Primary


Report by Tim Corby Kent Sport


4 The Kent & Medway School Sports Magazine


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