Youngsters bring Olympic spirit to Preston at indoor games

Over 500 schoolchildren helped bring an international atmosphere to Preston when they competed in the Preston City Indoor Games at the Guild Hall.

The 27 local primary schools represented a different country of the world and battled it out in activities including javelin, hurdles and triple and long jump.

Sponsored by MWR, the main competition saw the gold medal go to Queen’s Drive representing Brazil, followed by silver for Our Lady and St Edward’s as Australia, and bronze for Highfield Priory as Argentina.

For the first time, there was a competition allowing small schools to compete. Taking top spot in this competition was St Francis representing the Ukraine, followed by silver for St Lawrence as Spain, and bronze for Ingol representing South Africa, narrowly beating Catforth as Sweden.

St Francis and Queen’s Drive have been awarded a place to represent Preston in next year’s county finals.

Dean Brandwood, Preston competition manager, said: “The enthusiasm and effort put in by all the schools for this event shows a tremendous commitment to make sure that young people take part in and experience a competition atmosphere.

“I would like to thank MWR Solicitors for their continued support of school competitions and also Preston Harriers, who provide volunteers to organise the running events.”

The event which took place on Wednesday November 24 is organised by Preston City Council’s sports development unit in partnership with Preston Harriers, and is now in its sixth year.