Racing to Success with the SHAPES Legacy Trail

This year the theme was 'Bounce to Birmingham' in recognition of the Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham this month and into August.

The trail, which began during the year of another UK-hosted international event, the London Olympics of 2012, is laid around the park and is made up of six physical challenges, led by Perry, the multi-coloured bull and Birmingham 2022's official mascot. The activities ranged from throwing beanbags into rings against the clock to working in teams to cross the swamp and 'Match the Sport', as well as collecting the most medals in the 'Medal Haul challenge'.

Going beyond physical activity, with other learning opportunities for children in the borough, Year Nine children from Bramhall High took on the role of event leaders for each of the six activities, making them instrumental in the running of the event. Jennifer Connolly, Director of Public Health at Stockport Council, also popped along to see the children in action!

The event was a fantastic success. Trish Harrison, a teacher at St Winifred’s Roman Catholic Primary School, said: “The event was really well organised and ran like clockwork! All the activities were pitched at the right level. It was great to see all the children enjoying themselves and engaged, it was such a brilliant day.”

Pupils from Ludworth Primary School, Marple Bridge said: “It’s my favourite day of the year” and “I loved all the activities and working together as a team.”

Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, said: "The SHAPES Legacy Trail is an excellent example of the Active Communities Strategy in action. Bringing school communities together to get involved in some friendly competition in a beautiful setting. It is a fantastic way to inspire young people to be active and gain new skills."

Next year, the trail will return with a new theme and even more fun and engaging activities for Stockport's Year Two pupils.