A primary school sports competition backed by the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust has launched for this academic year with record numbers.

Around 400 pupils from 21 schools across Furness took part in the Primary MegaMAT Games cross country event at Chetwynde School this week.

The Primary MegaMAT games is a full calendar of multi-sports competitions including hockey, netball, swimming and a host of other sports. It is organised by Chetwynde, which joined the Furness College-led SCMAT in September last year.

Organiser Katy Costa, Chetwynde’s Phase 2 Lead and PE teacher, said she was delighted with the growth of the event, which is helping to keep young people active and competing.

“Last year we had 13 schools with 150 pupils taking part but the response this year has been phenomenal. We are over the moon to see so many children enjoying themselves and taking part in sport.

“There was a bit of rain but they were all fantastic and showed great determination to complete the course and we’ve had so much positive feedback. A big thank you also to our senior pupils who helped out guiding the runners around the course.”

The winners were from Year 3 to Year 6 across a range of schools. Dexter from Dane Ghyll won the Year 3 boys, Jacy from Low Furness won the Year 3 Girls. Year 4 race winners were Nathan from Sir John Barrow and Emilie from Low Furness. Alfie from St Columba’s Primary and Izzy from Parkside were first in Year 5 while Noah from Sir John Barrow and Imogen from Yarlside crossed the line first in the Year 6 event.

The event, which continues next month with hockey at Furness College’s Channelside campus, sees points accumulated for each event with a winner declared in the summer.

Last year’s winners were Chetwynde, runners up were Yarlside Academy and Holy Family Primary won the award as the highest number of participants.

Winners were presented with their medals by Executive Head Teacher and CEO of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust Professor Andrew Wren alongside Chetwynde Headteacher Steve Jefferson.

“When we launched this event, we could only dream that it would grow so quickly and for the benefit of so many pupils,” said Professor Wren. “It is open to all schools, not just those in our Trust, as we are committed to help all pupils build their confidence, leadership and teamwork through sport.”

For further information about joining the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, visit the website www.scmat.org.uk or email info@furness.ac.uk with the heading SCMAT.

Full list of winners