1:20pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Dick Marshall
HUNDREDS of young runners enjoyed an EGGcellent build-up to Easter yesterday when the annual Hot Cross Run cross-country event for primary school pupils was staged in Westcliff.
Held at St Bernard’s Sports Ground in Bridgewater Drive, the run was originally devised to increase inter-school competition between primary schools within the Southend West School Sports Partnership.
Now, however, it has become a firm fixture in the Catholic schools’ sporting calendar and involves schools from three different sports partnerships.
The St Bernard’s students wanted to organise an event that would encourage and promote the Olympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, determination, courage, inspiration and equality.
Once Catholic schools from Castle Point and Southend East heard about the competition they were all keen to be involved.
The prospect of 400 runners from nine local primary schools pounding the field required hours of preparation.
The level one sports leaders in year 11 were able to organise and plan the smooth running of the event.
Students from both St Bernard’s and St Thomas More were given opportunities to become sports officials, using positive communication and motivational skills.
Fortunately, they were blessed with great weather. The primary pupils were able to run their “Sports Relief” socks off in a welcoming and friendly environment. Children were running for fun and enjoyment.
Pat Barron, head teacher of St Bernard’s, and her St Thomas More counterpart Peter Travis awarded individual and team prizes.
Children were recognised and awarded with special commendation prizes.
The Ruth Lambert Memorial Trophy was presented by Mikey and William Lambert to Ryan Black, a pupil from Our Lady Of Ransom, who has achieved a high standard and great success in a variety of sports.
The event was also supported incredibly well by the community. Tesco’s donated a hot cross bun to every pupil and Asda stepped in at the 11th hour by donating bottles of water.
Prizes for Sport Relief were given by Stark Salon, Photo Visual, Pizza Hut, Original Sports, McDonalds, Nosh and Eastwood School.
The day was rounded off by the completion of the Sports Relief Mile, which raised £206.43 for the charity.
St Bernard’s students involved on the big day enthused about youngsters who ran.
Said Lillie Bonham: “It was so sweet. One little girl lost her shoe, but kept on running with such determination.”
And Danielle Lucas added: “We watched loads of children finding it hard to run but still not giving up.”
Local teachers congratuated the Southend West School Sports Partnership team — based at Easwood School. “They have worked tirelessly to organise such a hugely successful event,” they said.
Leading results Year three boys individual - 1, Theo Okonta (Sacred Heart); 2, Christopher Kaiyo (St George’s); 3, Jack McIver-Hauser (St Teresa’s). Team: 1, St George’s (35 points); 2, St Teresa’s (46); 3, Our Lady of Lourdes (51).
Year three girls individual - 1, Bernardette O’Hara (Our Lady of Lourdes); 2, Ava King (Our Lady of Lourdes); 3, Jessica Dallen (Holy Family).; Team: 1, Our Lady of Lourdes (14); 2, Holy Family (43); 3, St George’s (70).
Year four boys individual - 1, Toby Donoghue (Our Lady of Ransom); 2, Billy Piercy (St George’s); 3, Max (Holy Family). Team: 1, Our Lady of Ransom (26); 2, Holy Family (26); 3, St George’s (67).
Year four girls individual - 1, Kate Newton (Our Lady of Lourdes); 2, Leah Bond (St Helen’s); 3, Roseanna Dunne (Our Lady of Lourdes); Team: 1, Our Lady of Lourdes (22); 2, Holy Family (32); 3, St Joseph’s (60).
Year five boys individual - 1, Niall Blowers (Our Lady of Lourdes); 2, Kallum Fletcher (Our Lady of Ransom); 3, Bryce Odea (Holy Family). Team: 1, Our Lady of Ransom (39); 2, Sacred Heart (52); 3, Holy Family (56
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