HUNDREDS of young athletes gathered at Bromsgrove School for the Worcestershire Summer Games.

The popular event, designed to build on the London 2012 Olympics and motivate children to become physically active, was held on Tuesday, July 2.

More than 1,800 youngsters aged 7-13 took part in a mini-Olympics style showpiece.

Providing a range of opportunities for young people, the Worcestershire Summer School Games was also supported by a team of 150 officials as well as a media team made up of budding reporters, photographers and video journalists.

Organised by the Worcestershire Local Organising Committee, Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire and School Games Organisers, funded by the National Lottery and sponsors Redpoint Worcester, the Games saw over 65 schools measure their sporting prowess and battle for the title of Worcestershire County Champion.

Inspired by the Cricket World Cup, Wimbledon and the recent success of the Lionesses, children represented their districts in 17 sporting competitions, including athletics, swimming, indoor rowing, tennis, cricket and boccia.

The opening ceremony featured dance performances by Alvechurch Middle School and St John's Middle School as well as an interview with special guest, Invictus Games double gold and silver medallist Dave Watson.

Winners of the ‘Worcestershire’s Gotta Sing competition’, St Barnabas Primary, also performed their winning song.

Schools that secured victories were Broadheath CE Primary (KS2 Boccia), St Bede's Middle School (KS3 Boccia and Y8 Super6 athletics), Hagley Primary School (mixed quick cricket), St John's Middle School (Y7 Super6 athletics), Eldersfield Lawn CE Primary (Y3/4 tri golf), Webheath Academy (KS2 archery arrows), Prince Henry's High School (Y9 rounders), Holy Trinity School (Y5/6 swimming), Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary (Y3/4 tennis), Bredon Hill Academy (Y5/6 tennis) and Redditch (Y7 boys rowing, Y7 girls rowing, Y8 boys rowing, Y8 girls rowing).

Guest of honour Dave Watson said: "Opportunities like the School Games are so important for children and young people, particularly in this day and age. With the advancements in technology, children are missing out on social aspects such as making new friends.

“Children will gain so many benefits from being involved in the event today. They will learn self-belief, setting goals and reaching them. The School Games values are so important and it’s brilliant to see so many young people demonstrating teamwork and passion at the Games here today."