Aurora Winter Games hailed ‘the best ever’

 More than 110 young learners participated, including a group from Aurora Hedgeway School who embarked on a 400-mile round trip from Gloucestershire in order to attend.

In total, 113 young learners from 11 Aurora schools took part, the others being Ryefields, Summerfields, Brooklands, Fairway, Severnside, Hanley, RIS Mansfield, RIS Hinckley and Vincent House. For 76 of the young learners, the trip also meant a residential experience, some for the first time.

There was a vast array of activities planned for the games including tobogganing, ice skating, curling, orienteering, netball, 4D Crazy Golf, Laser Tag and various athletics events such as the long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin.

The events took place at Xscape Yorkshire, in Castleford, and in two of the north’s most impressive sporting arenas: The English Institute of Sport’s Athletics Hall and Ice Sheffield, which only added to the prestige of the occasion.

Schools were encouraged to be competitive, but rather than awarding points to those who came first, second or third, they were earned through displays of individual effort, teamwork, perseverance, resilience and helping others.

“Try your best and encourage everyone around you,” was the advice of Ivy Lane Head Michael Walsh, who led the team organising the event.

For pupil Thomas, from Severnside, the Winter Games provided the opportunity for his first residential. He said he particularly enjoyed ice skating, curling and laser tag. “The highlight was the ice skating. The experience is different to the temporary ice rinks that pop up over Christmas. I did fall over but I didn’t break anything.”

Thomas, who hopes to go to college to study music production added: “It’s been different, but in a good way.”

"I think it has helped with my confidence." Thomas, pupil at Aurora Hedgeway School

Before the Winter Games concluded, it was time for the inaugural, sponsored, Aurora Mile with all the participants invited to complete eight laps of the running track to support the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The challenge was accepted, with everyone happy to complete the mile at their own pace, helping to raise more than £1,000 in the process. 

“It was great to welcome students from far and wide for this year's Aurora Winter Games which, in my opinion, were the best ever." Michael Walsh

Michael Walsh said: “Across so many activities, we were impressed by their determination, enthusiasm and team work. Big thanks to all the staff who provided such great support for the event, not just with the activities but in organising all the behind-the-scenes work required to transport groups across the country, manage residential stays and be there for their students 24 hours a day across the event.

“I’m delighted that the inaugural Aurora Mile is on course to raise more than £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. It’s a great achievement by the many young learners and support staff who took part. We look forward to seeing everyone again and hopefully also some new faces at future events.”

Taking part in his first Winter Games was Aurora CEO, Kelvin Donald, who said the event was a great demonstration of the excellent collaboration that exists across the Group.

He said: “Schools came from around the country to share this brilliant experience. Huge thanks to Michael Walsh and his team for all the work that has gone into it. The Winter Games is a great example of the exciting and positive opportunities Aurora provides for our children and young people.”

Aurora Chief Operating Officer Sharon Pearson was equally impressed. She said: “I’m so proud of our children and staff for their collective efforts. An event such as this, staged in a sports setting that is utilised by the stars of Team GB, is true inclusion in action – and shows what Aurora does best."

“During the Winter Games, I saw our young learners demonstrate resilience, huge effort and a wonderful team spirit whilst all the time, having fun and learning new skills. It was wonderful to be a part of the day.” Sharon Pearson

The Winter Games ended with an Awards Ceremony at Ivy Lane, which included a demonstration of sporting skills by a football freestyler, a magician and disco to end the night.

Donate to the Winter Games’ fundraising Aurora Mile.