Sporty students take to the track at Crystal Palace

Monday 20th July 2015

Over 300 students from across 13 Ark schools sprang, ran and jumped into action for Ark’s key stage 3 sports day.

The students took to the track at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre – a venue which has seen Olympians Usain Bolt, Christine Ohuruogu and Seb Coe compete – in a day of track and field events.

Highlights included a new 800m record set by Helenswood Academy student Keira and an amazing 1.6m high jump by Ark Globe Academy student Jamal Bangura.

Ark Academy’s athletes narrowly beat a joint team from Helenswood Academy and Ark William Parker Academy to take the top place at the podium.

Nicola Addison, Head of PE at Ark Academy, said: “Our pupils loved every minute of the sports day – from those who won their events to those who became injured and finished last.

“There was a lovely atmosphere and a heart-warming moment when one of our girls got this amazing cheer as she crossed the 800m finishing line, having pulled her hamstring halfway through. It was moments like that which show just how positive and inspiring participating in sport can be for our students.”