MORE than 400 schoolchildren from across Wiltshire came together to try out new sports as part of the Selwood Housing Games, which was organised by the housing firm and SportInspired.

The eight and nine year old children from nine local primary schools came along to the event on June 25 at Trowbridge Sports Centre and Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham to take part in a range of different sports from Tae Kwon Do to Dodgeball.

Almost 200 Selwood Housing volunteers, young leaders from local secondary schools Clarendon Academy and Melksham Oak and local sports clubs helped out at the event.

Jonathan Watkins, from Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, said: “This was the best Sports festival we have ever been to. The activities were fantastic and everyone single one of our kids was engaged constantly.

“The Selwood Housing volunteers made such a difference. We’re so much looking forward to the rest of the programme - we cannot wait to set up new Dodgeball and Basketball clubs, amongst other things.”

The aim of the Games programme was to bring the local community together, developing new relationships, skills and opportunities through the power of sporting activity.

Ria Bristow, Selwood Housing group people director, said: “The idea behind the day was for children to try out sports that might not normally be an option for them.

“It is really important to us that we are part of our local community, working with schools seemed like a great opportunity to make a difference to how children view sport and PE. Not only does sport have proven health benefits but it can also improve confidence and wellbeing.”

During the day, the children got to experience different, locally available sports, including basketball, taekwondo, gymnastics and ten pin bowling.

They were supported and mentored by Selwood Housing volunteers who helped the children find one or more sport that they want to continue playing.

Anna Springbett, from SportInspired, said: “At SportInspired we aim to connect communities by highlighting existing, and creating new, opportunities for young people to enjoy being active.

“We are lucky to have great partners like Selwood; we couldn't achieve what we do without them and their volunteers.”