MORE than 1,000 youngsters took part in the Berkshire Winter School Games Festival at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

Activities included football, rugby, badminton, boccia, hockey, athletics and polybat.

Over 100 different schools took part in the event, which was the finale of months of competition for students who had competed against neighbouring schools to reach the county finals.

Each finalist was representing one of seven School Games areas - Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire, Slough, Ascot & Maidenhead, Windsor and Reading.

The event was coordinated by Get Berkshire Active, local School Games organisers and event lead, Sarah Taylor, who has been at the heart of school competitions in the county for a number of years.

Taylor said: “The event is a great example of a school sport festival which is run by young people, for young people.

“The roles of the young leaders are key to a successful event. Schools across the county provide pupils to help behind the scenes whilst setting up the event and officiating through the day to ensure it’s a success.”

A special mention must go to Greenham Common Trust, Ascot Charitable Trust and Berkshire Community Foundation who continue to support the Berkshire School Games and ensure that the event can take place twice per year.

Slough Observer:

PHOTOS: Ascot & Maidenhead-based pupils compete in the badminton at the Berkshire Winter School Games. PICS: Mike Swift, 180378.

The winners included Courthouse (Ascot and Maidenhead) in the year 5/6 girls’ football, Arbor Vale (Slough) in the secondary boccia and polybat, plus St Peters (Windsor) in the year 8 boys’ athletics.

Charters (Ascot and Maidenhead) were runners-up in the year 7/8 girls’ football, Lynch Hill (Slough) in the year 3/4 badminton and Littledown (Slough) in the primary boccia.

Langley Academy (Slough) finished in third position in the year 7/8 girls’ football and Cookham Rise (Ascot and Maidenhead) in the year 5/6 hockey.

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