Release Date: 15/07/2008
Richmond’s primary and secondary school students are achieving top marks in sports and physical education - with more youngsters across the borough involved in sports and physical activity than ever before.
New government figures show a massive 93 per cent of the borough’s youngsters take part in at least two hours of high-quality sport every week, an increase of more than 30 per cent over the last three years and 10 per cent higher than last year alone.
Participation in competitive sporting events has also increased by more than 20 per cent over the past year, with more than two thirds of the borough’s school children now taking part in inter-schools competition.
Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Liz Jaeger, said:
“I welcome the news and am delighted that young people across the borough continue to thrive and are given the opportunity to develop their sporting talents and stay healthy.
“Experience shows youngsters taking part in sporting activities are not only fitter and healthier but also enjoy a number of very real benefits. These include greater self esteem, higher academic achievement and avoiding trouble with the law.
“While we don’t have the same problems with issues such as childhood obesity as there are nationally, it is still a concern that we take very seriously. With this in mind the council is currently looking at plans to ensure children get at least five hours of physical activity a week.”
Figures have been increasing steadily since the introduction of the Richmond School Sport Partnership at Whitton Sports College and the council's successful Competitive Edge initiative four years ago.
The Competitive Edge programme aims to boost participation in competitive sports to give young people the opportunity to develop their sporting talents and stay healthy and has seen the introduction of seven new sporting festivals and four new leagues covering sports such as cricket and rounders.
Richmond’s 51 state-run primary and secondary schools improved in nine out of ten categories in the Department for Education and Schools survey.
The national Physical Education and School Sport (PESSCL) Annual Report examines all aspects of sport provision in primary and secondary school.
A full copy of the report can be viewed on the School Sport Partnership website www.richmondssp.co.uk