Cheshire & Warrington Winter School Games By Sophie Kraunsoe Welcomed by legions of smiling volunteers, all waving foam

fingers, the Primary and Secondary School Athletes from the Cheshire and Warrington area flocked to Chester University for the second Winter School Games. Friday 14th of March, the start of spring, or so you might think but the weather had other ideas, it was a bitterly cold day, but nothing could dampen the spirit of the participants and volunteers. The day was launched by two Young Ambassadors from Macclesfield School Sports Partnership, Joe McBride and Matthew Braybrooke in an inspirational and rousing opening ceremony that included a flash mob dance started by young volunteers, but finished by the whole crowd, who joined in with lots of enthusiasm. Joe McBride commented, "I am inspired by the passion, dedication and commitment of the volunteers to continue working hard to get more children into sport." On the Kingsway campus three sports were being held: tag rugby, girls rugby and girls football. As it was time for the events to start, the tension started to build as athletes, coaches and volunteers alike prepared for an exciting and competitive day of sport. Rhiannon Turner, a young volunteer who helped with the tag rugby, exclaimed "It was incredible to see the determination etched into the faces of the athletes. I know where the next Sam Warburton will come from!" After an amazing day of first class sport, the victors emerged as, Gawsworth School in the tag rugby, Wilmslow High School in the girls rugby and Middlewich (Year 7), Bridgewater (Year 8 & 9) and Poynton (Year 10 & 11) in the girls football. But just as importantly, the spirit of the games awards were given to St Annes, Middlewich, Neston, Chester and Helsby. All deserving winners who epitomized the School Games Values of Determination, Passion, Self-Belief, Teamwork, Respect and Honesty and that's what it is all about. Not just winning and wearing a medal but participating and giving one hundred percent. The School Games are aimed at getting as many people involved in sport as possible and thats exactly what we saw today. Everyone gave their all and everyone walked away as winners.