Students from schools across Meridian Trust took part in a functional fitness session this week. The ‘Fitness Games’ event was the first of its kind for the Trust and is the brainchild of Jack Clarke, Fitness Manager at Academy Leisure Sawtry.
Jack set up the Fitness Games as part of his work to raise awareness of functional fitness across Meridian Trust. His aim is to enhance the sporting curriculum, create development opportunities for teachers and inspire students to get active.
Explaining where the inspiration came from, Jack said: “We held a functional fitness training day for Meridian Trust staff last year and the feedback was so positive that this felt like a natural continuation of the great foundations that we laid back then.”
The Fitness Games are inspired by national competitions like CrossFit and the National Fitness Games, which are rising in popularity, and focus on skills such as mobility, movement standards, strength training and conditioning.
Natasha Seabrook, Director of PE for Meridian Trust said “Health-related exercise is really important for the development and wellbeing of young people. I’m thrilled that today has helped our students to open their minds as to what sport and exercise can do for them.”
In total, 72 Year 9 students attended from six of the Meridian Trust secondary schools, competing in three strength and conditioning-based challenges. Schools in attendance were Sharnbrook Academy, Ely College, Stratton Upper School, Sawtry Village Academy, Greater Peterborough UTC and Nene Park Academy.
Inclusion was at the top of the agenda and Jack was keen to ensure that the day was enjoyable for all ability levels, so attendees were split into four categories – RX Boys, RX Boys, Scaled Boys, Scaled Girls, replicating the same model as CrossFit style challenges.
“What we love about Jack’s ethos, is how accessible his programs are. He understands that events like this should appeal to all abilities, not just the most ‘sporty’ students” added Natasha.
Georgia and Patrick from the Academy Leisure Sawtry Fitness Team played the role of Head Judges alongside some Sixth Form volunteers from Sawtry Village Academy.
One Sixth Form Judge said “I’m really impressed with the Year 9’s. They embraced the challenges and supported each other when the intensity increased and things got tougher. It was such a fun afternoon.”
Another student commented, “We loved the event, it was such a fun, supportive atmosphere and it was really nice to take part in something different.”
