Reading Festival of Sport @ The Abbey welcomed almost 100 children from 17 different schools and nurseries on Saturday 20 May.
Amongst the coaches, GB and Commonwealth gold medalist Kelly Simm led sessions in artistic gymnastics supported by our student sport leaders. Meanwhile, Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden officially opened the event which this year formed part of the town-wide Reading Children’s Festival.
The festival first launched at The Abbey in Summer 2022 as a celebration of women’s sport and to help girls in particular find belonging in sport. The aim of the festival is to bring together the expertise of elite athletes, community sports clubs, The Abbey PE staff and our student sport leaders, to create opportunities for young people to try a new sport or further a passion.
Under perfect blue skies, a carousel of taster sessions in touch rugby, cricket, netball, gymnastics and dance took place for children aged 3-7.
Head Will le Fleming said “we are delighted to be creating opportunities for young people and girls in particular to get involved in sport and find an activity they love. The Reading Festival of Sport brings together passion and expertise in sport from across the Reading community. It was such a joy to see so much young enthusiasm to try something new, from gymnastics to just whacking it in cricket. We’re proud to be part of the programme of activities for this year’s Reading Children’s Festival”.
The 2023 Reading Festival of Sport was launched by GB Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Paralympian, Kayla Bell, back in February.
Marianne Clarke
Director of Engagement & Development
Read the report on the day from Rachael Steele, Head of Junior School PE & Sport:
On Saturday morning, we welcomed students from across the Reading community to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and foster a sense of belonging. To kickstart the morning’s festivities, a “Stand Up Shape Up” session made sure that every participant was energised and ready to seize the day! After the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, led the countdown to open the event, GB gymnast Kelly Simm gave an inspiring speech and showed her Gold Commonwealth Games medal to some excited students.
The enthusiasm permeated throughout the morning, with students from Nursery and Reception engaging in creative dance and artistic gymnastics sessions, skillfully guided by the expertise of The Abbey dance specialist Mesrure Walton and Kelly Simm. Meanwhile, Year 1 and 2 took part in a carousel touch rugby, netball, cricket, and gymnastics.
The Junior School was buzzing with excitement, joy and laughter. Chloe in Year 1 shared her enjoyment of the cricket session saying how she enjoyed the opportunity to practise her batting and fielding skills under the expert guidance of the coach (Nicole Beesely – Abbey PE staff and cricket expert). Such individual endeavours and achievements summed up the spirit of the day and showcased the power of the Reading Festival of Sport @ The Abbey to deepen the relationship between children and sport through community activities and role models.
We are grateful for the participation of so many sports experts in our community – from our sixth form sport leaders who serve as daily role models to the dedicated Sport & PE staff at The Abbey through to our community partners and elite athletes supporting our mission. The experiences created will undoubtedly fuel their passion for sports and help to foster a lifelong and personal journey.
The Reading Festival of Sport @ The Abbey will be back in 2024. We look forward to welcoming you then.
Read a report of the day written by ‘Reading Today’.