ALMOST 700 children from across the county descended on a leisure centre to compete in the first ever competition of its type.

Taking place yesterday and today at Penrith Leisure Centre, children from schools across Cumbria took part in the Spring Finals of the 2019 Cumbria School Games.

Each school was representing their primary or secondary school, as well as one of the five districts of Furness, Allerdale, Eden, Copeland, Carlisle and South Lakes.

The schools qualified for the finals through intra and inter school competitions organised by competition organisers.

In addition to the competitors, about 75 young people from across Cumbria have been trained in various roles to lead and officiate at the events.

The events are organised by the Cumbria School Games Local Organising Committee, supported by Active Cumbria, one of 43 Active Partnerships across England and part of Cumbria County Councils Public Health Service, the games are delivered in partnership with School Games Organisers, schools, clubs, national governing bodies of sport and local partners.

Representing Eden in the year 8 section were Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, whose boys and girls both won their sections.

Head of PE at the school, Alastair Worth, said: “It was an incredibly well organised event, lots of enthusiasm by the children across the event.

“Great participation and great to see so many people enjoying indoor athletics. Using young people to officiate it is a great way forward too.”

Carlisle were represented in the secondary school section by Trinity School, who had a boy and girl team in both year 7 and year 8.

The year 7 boys won their section, the year 7 girls finished runners-up, the year 8 boys finished third and the year 8 girls finished second.

PE teacher at the school, Marc Brown said: “They did really well, considering we were going into the competition blind. Because it was a new competition, we didn’t know how it ran.

“It was a really good day, some really good competitions from all teams. It is always nice to compete and represent the school.

“We have a real reputation for sporting achievement, but it is the first taste of athletics for some of them, so hopefully it inspires them to get involved in athletics.

“We picked six of the strongest athletes in the year and we could have picked more, we have come really good teams across all sports. It was a team event so everybody contributed.”

The competition will continue today at Penrith Leisure Centre, with another day of sports.