Hundreds Of Island Children Take Part In PEACH Games Celebrating Sport And Wellbeing

More than 320 primary school children from across the Isle of Wight have taken part in a celebration of sport, teamwork and wellbeing at the sixth annual PEACH Games.

The event, held at West Wight Sports Centre, brought together pupils from schools across the Island for a day packed with physical challenges, team activities and opportunities to build confidence.

Organised by the Isle of Wight Public Health team alongside School Games Organisers Tony Harris and Andy Day, the event aimed to encourage children to enjoy being active while promoting the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Around 70 secondary school sports leaders also played a key role, helping to run activities, support younger pupils and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in a variety of individual and team-based challenges designed to develop fitness, coordination, balance and confidence.

The activities also supported the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation that children should aim for 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Away from the sporting action, youngsters also enjoyed team-building exercises, problem-solving challenges and first aid sessions in the event’s athlete village.

Isle of Wight Director of Public Health Kate Harvey said the event plays an important role in encouraging healthier lifestyles.

She said:

“The PEACH Games are an important event in the promotion of physical activity, positive wellbeing and healthy competition.

"This supports young people to lead healthy lives with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.”

Organisers said feedback from schools was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise given to the secondary school sports leaders for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the day.

The PEACH programme works with schools to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and families through a framework focusing on physical activity, healthy eating, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Over the academic year, children and young people have taken part in nine PEACH events, experiencing sports including basketball, hockey, gymnastics and even quidditch.

The PEACH Games are designed especially to support Year 3 and Year 4 pupils who may be less engaged with physical activity, while also creating leadership opportunities for students in Years 9 to 13.

Organisers thanked a number of local groups and organisations for helping make the event possible, including West Wight Sports Centre, Isle of Wight Youth Trust, the Mental Health Support Team, School Nursing Team, New Carnival Company, Wight Event First Aid & Training and the Isle of Wight College Sports Department.