The cross country season for Thetford’s junior schools opened with Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 competing to represent Thetford at the Breckland partnership.

Admirals Junior, The Bishops C of E and Norwich Road all brought healthy teams of students to Parkwood Leisure Centre, all of whom completed a course set out by the Thetford Academy and its group of leaders.

Organiser Emma Tilly praised all of the students for their efforts and was also impressed with the parental support, saying: “It is really important for parents to come and watch their children. It gives the pupils a great sense of pride to perform in front of them and gives them the confidence and inspiration to want to move forward.”

Emma has been designated to lead Sport and Community Health this year at The Academy and, as a starting block to encourage the Primary schools to continue their participation in healthy activities, she arranged for the schools to travel together on a coach provided by the Academy.

“The town’s schools are being encouraged to use a little joined up thinking to ensure that pupils are not left out due to government cutbacks,” she said. “It makes sense that if we are all going to one venue, to compete, why not share one coach.

“With the demise of the School Sports Partnerships it is important to create sustainable projects that leave a legacy for those to come.”

Five boys and five girls from each year group won places through to the next round at Watton Sports Centre – organised by Breckland’s new School Games Organiser Marie Reidie.

The town had a number of successes who will represent Breckland at the next level of competition in March.

Students included some from The Grammar School who have joined the Breckland Sports Partnership. A total of 119 students took part.

Results for Thetford students

Results Yr 5 & 6 Boys: 1 Aiden Try, 6 Stephen Riches, 7 Sonny Kovacs, 8 Jamie Fairweather Thetford, 9 Deven Lockwood, 10 Callum Brown.

Year 5 & 6 Girls: 4 Ruby Freeman, 5 Kuglzi Garikayi, 7 Jordan Hunter.

Year 3 & 4 Boys: 7 Kyran C, 9 Aston M.

Year 3 & 4 Girls: 1 Jessica Norkit, 10 Aime Peck.

Cluster finishing positions: 1 Methwold, 2 Thetford, 3 Attleborough, 4 Watton.

n The Thetford Academy organises many festivals for a range of sports throughout the year. If you would like to volunteer your services or think your club or business may have something to offer contact Emma Tilly on 07884 365417.

The Breckland School Sports Partnership has a website giving information on all events for the coming school year. Check it out on www.brecklandssp.co.uk