Basketball stars rock on to the final
13 Dec 2011 14:50:01
Eight schools battled it out at a basketball festival last week at Kilmarnock College’s Centre for Sporting Excellence, the first ‘finals’ event following the launch of the East Ayrshire Olympics programme.
And Onthank Primary – which goes under the banner of Brazil – emerged victorious, with Nether Robertland (Kazakhstan) second and Kirkstyle (Japan) in third place.
Other primary schools which took part, having all qualified from regional events, were Annanhill, Auchinleck, Dalmellington, Hurlford and Netherthird.
Glasgow Rocks players Sterling Davis and EJ Harrison came to cheer on the young finalists and gave prizes to male and female most valuable players (MVPs) Euan Reid, Nether Robertland and Holly Hart, Netherthird.
Sportsmanship awards went to Daniel Wood, Kirkstyle and Jennifer White, Annanhill. The MVPs won match tickets and mascot packages, where they will be mascots leading the Rocks team out to a game. Sportsmanship winners also won match tickets.
Councillors Kathy Morrice and Maureen McKay came along to watch the final and to award medals.
Active Schools Co-ordinator Laura Wallace said: “The festival went very well, thanks to a very supportive group of students from Kilmarnock College, who refereed and helped the children. The youngsters really got into the spirit of the event by dressing in their countries’ colours and carrying flags”.
Councillor Hugh Ross, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “This festival formed part of our run-up to the Olympics for schools. As well as gaining medals, the children who competed in the basketball festival have earned extra points for the overall medal table which is being kept throughout the year. I look forward to seeing how the different schools progress”.
Councillor Kathy Morrice, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “It was great to see so many schoolchildren from across East Ayrshire taking part in sporting activity. This Active Schools initiative really is encouraging more young people to be more active, more often and the Olympics link fits perfectly with the aims of Curriculum for Excellence”.
Next event in the East Ayrshire Olympics calendar is badminton where, again, regional events will take place before another grand final at the end of January.
ends
For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk