The Citizen 04 August 2007
Future sports stars at Nailsworth C of E Primary School are reaping the benefits of their headmaster's enthusiasm.Having former Gloucester player Chris Raymond in charge has given an extra impetus to the school's involvement in sport.
A one-time hero at Kingsholm, Raymond has been keen to encourage his pupils to make the most of their sporting opportunities.
They take part in a wide range of sport and activities through which they learn about teamwork, setting targets, dealing with success and failure and the pursuit of excellence in performance.
They have also discovered that not only are they healthier, but that sport has a positive impact on their classroom work, social skills and general wellbeing.
To celebrate their achievements and the contribution of his staff and parents, Raymond organised a black tie Sports Dinner for all those who have participated in or helped with sporting activities this year.
The event was a roaring success, with speeches by the team captains, formal nominations, and the presentation of trophies and medals.
Football skipper Luke Daniels won his sport's Player of the Year award and captain Abigail Green took the netball equivalent.
Jacob Harris won the cricket player's award, while the cross-country award went to Ella Nurding, who was fourth in the district event at Stratford Park, Stroud.
Megan Farrer won the hockey award and Jack Burns the rugby award.
Year Five swimmer Ellie Brown, a major prospect who has beaten most of the year above, was named Swimmer of the Year.
Ben Wear picked up the Fair Play award, while Hetty Davis was the Most Committed Player of the Year and her fellow all-rounder Marcus Shortland was named as the Most Improved Player of the Year.
The keenly anticipated Sportsboy and Sportsgirl of the Year went to Jack Sessions and Milly Griffin, and Jade Lefeuvre collected the Team of the Year on behalf of the netballers.
Claire King was presented with the Most Supportive Parent award by headmaster Raymond.
"I got involved in sport as a youngster and it's great to see the children at this school having so much fun learning good sportsmanship," Raymond said.
"I believe this to be extremely important, particularly when they work so hard in the classroom.
"We aim for excellent all-round education and I'm proud to say that we achieved our best SATs results ever this year."
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