ON WEDNESDAY 5^TH DECEMBER 2018, RIDERS FROM 12 SCHOOLS CAME TOGETHER TO COMPETE IN ACCESS SPORT’S WINTER SERIES BMX SCHOOL GAMES AT THE OLYMPIC PARK TRACK AT LEE VALLEY.

Race Day Report:

The day brought together the most students we have ever had at an event, with 115 young people from 12 schools based all around London, competing in a day of exciting BMX racing. All students had been engaged in Access Sport’s Making Trax Programme and the event was a great way to signal the end of their weekly BMX sessions.

The day began with the Wingz category where riders from Chaffinch Brook and Insights School raced in 2 thrilling motos, making it difficult to see who would take the top spot! They were followed by the year 9&10+ boys, where riders from Woolwich Poly quickly became the ones to beat, securing many of the highest positions. Afterwards, it was the secondary girls’ time to shine and they did not disappoint; with riders from Raines Foundation and City Academy fighting hard to be the champions! The City Academy boys in the year 7/8 category followed suit, as they quickly became the favorites, with the boys from Elmgreen hot on their tail! Finally, we had our youngest age groups, which also had the most riders! The primary girls kicked this off with riders from St Saviours and Manorfield taking an early lead in the competition! Following on from this, the primary boys raced incredibly well making it almost impossible to see who would reach the final before lunch!

After lunch, the final set of motos were completed to determine the top 8 riders in each age category who would make it through to the final. Due to Insights School having to leave early, the riders from Chaffinch Brook competed against each other to determine the Wingz winner, adding to the competitiveness of all the riders! In the boy’s 9&10+ category, the final moto closed many gaps between riders, meaning each school participating ended up being represented in the finals! The secondary girls and boys 7&8 categories were even closer, however City Academy seemed to just take the edge on the lead up to the finals in both categories. The primary girls from St Saviours and Manorfield were still so evenly matched that it was unclear who would be the best represented in the finals! In the last primary boy’s moto, riders from St Helen’s stole the show, as 5/8 of the finalists were from their school!

After this, it was great to see the teachers get involved in a race of their own alongside some of our volunteers! It was great fun and the riders definitely loved seeing their teachers on the bike for a change!

Due to the high standard of riding, the scores were so close, but the final 8 were announced and they took to the start hill to begin their final race. This race alone determined who would earn the chance to stand on the podium with glory.

And just like that the Winter School Games 2018 had finished – we want to say a massive well done to everyone that took part! The determination, sportsmanship and talent on display made for a wonderful event! It was clear all the riders had worked hard in the sessions leading up to the event, as the standard of riding was so high! An extra special mention must go to the teachers, volunteers and Velopark staff whose patience, organisation and support was a credit to the overall running of the day. A huge thank you to everyone for coming, and we hope to see you at the Spring series!

Full List of Winners of the Winter Series BMX School Games 2018:

WINGZ

1st: LAWRENCE MCDERMOTT (CHAFFINCH BROOK), 2nd: BILLY CHITTENDON (CHAFFINCH BROOK), 3rd: KAEDEN BAILEY (CHAFFINCH BROOK - Pictured)

PRIMARY GIRLS

1st: IMANI JEFFREYS (MANORFIELD), 2nd: ANANYA ANNOBIL (ST SAVIOURS), 3rd: LILY NAUGHTON (ST SAVIOURS)

SECONDARY GIRLS

1st: PHEOBE GAYNOR (CITY ACADEMY), 2nd: NATALIA KEABLE (CITY ACADEMY), 3rd: CJ EDWARDS (KENSINGTON ALRIDGE ACADEMY)

PRIMARY BOYS

1st: JOEL POWERY (KENDER), 2nd: DYLAN MARQUES (ST HELENS), 3rd: KELECHI OZUE (MANORFIELD)

 

YEAR 7/8 BOYS

1st: THEIA GAYNER (CITY ACADEMY), 2nd: CISCO STEFANO (CITY ACADEMY), 3rd: TAIJON THOMAS-FRAY (ELMGREEN)

 

YEAR 9/10/11 BOYS

1st: JAYDEN HARRIS (KENSINGTON ALRIDGE ACADEMY), 2nd: MASON BARTOLO (WOOLWICH POLY), 3rd: RADENKO DMITROVIC (RAINES FOUNDATION)

INDIVIDUAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Maisie Southwood

The Individual Sportsmanship trophy is to recognise the individual that Access Sport staff believe demonstrate notable etiquette throughout the course of the day.

The award was presented to Maisie as numerous Access Sport staff and other schools throughout the day commented on her friendliness, effort and positivity to not only her own performances but to other participants in all of the races. Well done Maisie!

 

TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP: Raines Foundation School

The schools voted for the school that they felt had shown the best sportsmanship towards them and their team. This was awarded to Raines Foundation School for their fantastic efforts and sportsmanship. Well done Raines!

VOLUNTEERS

Throughout the day staff and volunteers worked effortlessly to ensure that events ran accordingly, especially our volunteers from HSBC who came down to help out. Despite the cold and slightly rainy weather, they continued to smile and remain positive throughout the day to help encourage our young riders. This positive attitude continued into the teachers and volunteer race, with some great BMX on show by HSBC and the teachers. I think they all realised it is not as easy as the students make it look!  A busy but very enjoyable day, so massive thanks to HSBC and everyone that helped out on the day for their tremendous efforts in taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities. A special mention should also be made to three students from New City College - McClane, Karim & Bradley - who volunteered as part of the Ignite Programme's Youth Development project. The students were enthusiastic, keen and played an integral part in the day.