Edinburgh schools ‘Olympic games’ set for summer

Teams of youngsters will represent their schools in a host of events at Forrester and St Augustine’s Community Sports Hub this summer.

So far, 85 of the city’s 87 primaries, as well as two special schools, have confirmed they will take part.

Education chiefs said the competiton would promote teamwork and a healthy attitude amongst almost 900 pupils.

Claire Caballero, clerk of Friends of Forthview Primary School parent council, said: “This will promote bonds and get rid of all the rivalries between schools. At the same time, it’s good for the kids to take part in something and be recognised. I don’t think there’s ever been anything like this in Edinburgh before.”

Teams of ten will be sent from each school, with pupils competing in athletics events, as well as football, rugby, tennis, basketball, hockey, cricket, gymnastics and volleyball.

Those with special needs will also be able to take part after organisers confirmed that Boccia – a bowling-type sport played by people with cerebral palsy and other severe physical disabilities – would feature.

Specialist and professional coaches from major organisations such as the Scottish Football Association will be on hand in the run-up and on the day itself to help youngsters prepare. The event has already been hailed by leaders of the Capital’s best-known sports clubs, who said it would provide children with opportunities to compete – something that was often lacking.

Les Trotter, assistant secretary at Hutchison Vale football club, said: “This is fantastic news. Anything that makes things better for sport in the city has got to be a good thing. There are too many kids in Edinburgh not getting enough sport and there aren’t enough opportunities for them to get involved in an event like this.”

He said Hutchie Vale staff and players would be keen to take part.

“I’m certain the club will have plenty of representatives going along to take part or help and not just with the football,” he said. “We have kids in the club who are runners as well, and I’m pretty sure one or two of our coaches will get involved. We’ll definitely do everything we can to help.”

Mel Coutts, the city’s acting principal officer for sports and outdoor education, said the event had sparked “genuine excitement”.

“There’s a real enthusiasm to see something like this – and at the Sports Hub as well, which is probably the best facility in the school estate,” she said.

“Of course, we’ve had big sports events for schools before but this is the first time we’ve tried to get every primary school in the city involved. This is about local opportunities for local children. There are plenty of sports clubs working with local people and we would anticipate them being involved, certainly on the day and  potentially in the lead-up.”