Relay Active Kids at Inverkeithing Highland Games
Pupils from primary schools across West Fife were involved in a children’s race during the recent Inverkeithing Highland Games.Following close co-operation between Inverkeithing Highland Games, Fife Active Schools Initiative and West Fife Integrated Community Schools , a Children’s Relay Race was held during the annual games.
The race follows taster sessions, organised by Fife Active Schools at six local primary schools, which included coaching by Iain Mackie, Alan Macintosh and Harry Bruce. The primary schools involved, so far, have been Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay , North Queensferry , Park Road , Donibristle, Torryburn and Camdean.
Thinking behind the event was to get school children active, and physically involved in sports with a view to improving their general health and well-being.
Numerous discussions involving Frank Coyle from Inverkeithing Highland Games, Councillor Jim Philp, Nikki Sandilands and Michael Kavanagh from Fife Active Schools led to the introduction of this new event at the games, which is expected to become an annual fixture.
“The search for our future Olympic athletes begins here” said Frank Coyle. ”Inverkeithing Highland Games are delighted to provide the venue for this relay race. It is expected to become an annual event, competed for, enthusiastically, by school children throughout Fife ”.
Nikki Sandilands said: “Our main priority is to get more children more active more often. The partnership between Active Schools , Inverkeithing Highland Games and West Fife ICS has enabled children to learn new skills and develop their abilities, in a fun and structured way. We will be holding more children’s activities at next year’s Inverkeithing Highland Games so make sure you come along with your children and have a go”.
Inverkeithing Highland Games provided medals for the finalists and Councilor Jim Philp provided a trophy for the winning team. The medals will be retained by the children and the trophy will be competed for each year.
David Mackay, the chieftain of the 2006 Games, was delighted with this initiative and met each of the competitors on the day of the games.
Next year taster sessions will be taking place in schools within the Inverkeithing area in order to prepare the children and promote the event in August 2007. If you would like more information please contact Nikki Sandilands on 01592 418 8090.