Gold medal Paralympian at Richard de Clare sports day

Youngsters across the Bridge Academy Trust infant and primary schools enjoyed the first-ever sports day against other schools in the trust at Chelmsford Athletic Centre.

Students from Richard de Clare Community Academy in Halstead competed against others from Oaklands Infant School, Acorn Academy, Mildmay Primary School, High Ongar Primary School, Chipping Ongar Primary School and Ongar Primary School.

Cheer- mascot Richard de Bear with youngsters (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)Athlete- Laura Sugar with her gold medal (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)

The event was attended by Laura Sugar MBE, a Paralympic athlete who works with the Mintridge Foundation.

She cheered the children on all morning, allowed some very lucky individuals to wear her gold medal won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and helped present the trophies as the games ended.

Richard de Clare headteacher, Lucinda Bellett, said: “A fun-filled and competitive day was had by all representatives from Richard de Clare and we were even joined by the school mascot 'Richard de Bear'.

“Not only did we have a great day, but Richard de Clare was the winning school overall for the Key Stage two events.

Winners- some came away with multiple medals (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)

Proud- key stage 2 team (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)

“As well as this, we scored in the top three in three out of four categories and came home with a total of 27 medals across all age groups.

“The children did our school incredibly proud showing that we are kind, safe and respectful in all that we do.

“These events are not possible without the hard work and commitment from lots of different groups of people.

“Huge thanks were given to Dom Fenton, who organised the event, the sports leaders from The Ongar Academy and Moulsham High School and of course all the many other volunteers on the day.

Cheerleaders- happy youngsters perform their routine (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)

Bear- mascot running with the pupils (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)

“Richard de Clare would like to give a special thank you to our army of volunteers who supported the children and made attending the event possible.

“A date has already been set for next year and as soon as we return to school after the summer break, will be training for the events.

“We are hoping that we can be victorious in more than one category next year.”

Jumping- youngster in the long jump (Image: Richard de Clare Community Academy)