Baylink Olympics 2010

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, Sandown High school once again hosted the Olympic –style event for all primary schools in the Bay area. Not only providing an unrivalled high quality competitive experience for nearly 800 primary school children, the event also offered invaluable learning opportunities, including the ‘Olympic village’. However, perhaps its most unique feature was the fact that it was planned, promoted and organised by a group of 12 Sandown High Young Ambassadors and led by over 280 students from Sandown High, Sandham Middle and Forelands middle schools.

The spectacular, Sandown –based community carnival group Mas Fusion led the opening ceremony of all schools who, amidst cloudless blue skies, proudly flew the flags of the various countries represented on the day, along

with various mascots including the infamous ’Baylink Bear’, before heading off to their competitions in Athletics, Basketball, Football, High Five Netball and Rugby. This year also hosted time trials in cycling and 'come and try it' sessions in gymnastics and table tennis. Competition was very tight in all events, but Newchurch primary once again enjoyed huge success, winning three of the five championships! (Basketball, Netball and Rugby). Sandown C of E were victorious, dominating the Girls football event, whilst St John’s stormed the athletics with some very impressive performances.

However, it was not just about competitive sport. The ‘Olympic village’ comprising an ‘International food experience’, live music, a Learning Zone run by Young Ambassadors, Performing arts students and Language Leaders, ‘Teddy bears Picnic’ chill-out area, became the main focal point, as children relaxed in between competitions and immersed themselves into the spirit of the day. The Food-tasting from all around the world, superbly co-ordinated by the island Community chef but prepared and served by high school catering students, broadened the taste buds of so many children, parents, and staff.

Alternative sports included cheerleading, tri-golf and a myriad of fun activities. The Art competition this year challenged entrants to design a t-shirt for the Baylink Mascot the Baylink Bear, in preparation for the 2010 IOW Primary Games, This produced some fantastic Olympic designs, with the final winning piece from Newchurch  judged as outstanding by the judges.

The closing ceremony saw all children in high spirits as former Sandown High school student and Olympic Gold medallist Louis Attrill led out the final parade onto the track and presented the winning team Newchurch with their gold medals for the second consecutive year.  

Results:

Individual Sports:

Athletics: 1^st: St John’s 2^nd; Gatten and Lake 3^rd: Newchurch

Basketball: 1^st: Newchurch 2^nd: St John’s 3^rd: Broadlea

Girls Football 1^st: Sandown C of E 2^nd: Bembridge 3^rd: Broadlea

High Five Netball 1^st: Newchurch; 2^nd: St John’s 3^rd: Broadlea

Rugby: 1^st Newchurch 2^nd: Broadlea 3^rd: Bembridge

Overall Results:

1^st: Newchurch 2^nd: St John’s 3^rd: Broadlea 4th: Bembridge

 5^TH; Sandown C of E 6th: Shanklin C of E 7^th: Gatten and Lake 8th: St Helens/ Brading

Scouts were out in force on the day and teams selected for the forthcoming IOW Primary games in June. The Baylink team embark on their training now to defend their title as Island Champions!