Teamwork and determination key to orienteering success
Comberton Village College was a hive of activity earlier this week as 160 children from 14 South Cambs primary schools took part in a fun but challenging orienteering event designed to test their teamwork, communication and problem solving skills.
The event was open to children in years 3 & 4 and aimed at those that don’t normally get a chance to represent their school in sporting competitions.
Mixed teams of 4 took part in three different challenges including an orienteering team score competition, netball numbers and a school games challenge. Each activity involved teamwork and communication as well as running to find markers in order to successfully complete each challenge in as quick a time as possible.
Claire McDonnell, Partnership Manager said,
“The idea behind the orienteering competition was to try and appeal to a different group of young people who perhaps don’t like your more traditional sports.
Orienteering is an active outdoor sport that challenges both the mind and body with children having to work together, devise a plan, find points and make decisions.
It was great to see a different group of young people getting the chance to represent their school, experience being part of a team and have fun and enjoy themselves!”
The event was hosted at Comberton Village College and pupils from the schools Sport Leadership Academy in year 10 supported the event and were involved with leading the activities, supporting the teams and timing and scoring the challenges.
Mr Anderson, PE teacher said:
“The leaders did a fantastic job and the feedback from pupils and teachers was very positive. Ciara McGrath was nominated as the leader of the day for leading the school games challenge activity with great confidence and clear communication, as well as demonstrating good organisational skills and giving lots of positive encouragement to the children taking part. Well done Ciara and all of the leaders involved with this competition.”
The orienteering team score activity was won by Swavesey C team who found the 10 check points located around the school field in a fantastic time of 15mins. Other top placed teams in this activity were Harston & Newton A, Willingham B and University of Cambridge Primary D.
Netball numbers was won by Haslingfield B and Coton B who were the only teams to complete all 6 courses and get all of the correct answers in the allocated time.
Finally the school games challenge was won by Harston & Newton D team who located all 12 pictures in a speedy time of 6.23mins.
‘Spirit of the Games’ awards were also given out on the day and these were awarded by the sports leaders to the following teams and individuals:
Histon & Impington Juniors C team who showed good team spirit and great determination to work together as a team even when finding some of the challenges hard.
Jayden from Bassingbourn for being a good team leader, encouraging his group and asking good questions.
Harry from Meldreth for demonstrating brilliant team spirit and encouraging other teams with awesome enthusiasm.
Hetty from Cambridge University Primary for her constant enthusiasm and great teamwork.
Lauren from Haslingfield who showed great determination and never gave up and also encouraged her team mates all the way from start to finish.