A TOTAL of 64 children from six schools across Southend came together at Chase High School for the gym and cheerleading festival organised and run by competitions manager Tracy Bennett.

The whole purpose of the festival was for everyone to try some of the gymnastics disciplines on offer in a relaxed and informal environment. Students from years five, six, seven and eight from Thorpe Hall, Bournes Green, St Mary’s, Heycroft, Temple Sutton and Chase High were divided into four groups and rotated around the activities on offer.

These were floor, vault, trampolining and cheerleading under the close supervision of the qualified coaches. Boys and girls were rolling, cartwheeling, jumping, leaping, bouncing, balancing and cheering throughout the whole morning and finished the event with a mini showcase of floor skills and cheerleading routines. Bennett said how lovely it was to see so many students trying something new who do not necessarily thrive in the traditional sports on offer in schools. “By the end of the morning, the students had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were thrilled with their achievements,” she said.

Kieron, from Thorpe Hall, said, “I’ve had a great time today trying all the different activities but my favourite was trampolining. It’s so much fun.” Chloe Ann, from St Mary’s School, said: “I really enjoyed the floor and the vaulting was my favourite.”