Calderdale’s primary school team emulated their seniors as they clinched victory in their West Yorkshire Panathlon in Bradford on Thursday.

Six months after Calderdale’s secondary school squad lifted their county trophy at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre, the Calderdale Reds – made up of students from St Augustine’s CE School (pictured left) – landed the primary title after a competition involving 10 schools and 72 students.

In an event officiated by leaders from Newsome High School in Kirklees (pictured below), the runners-up were Bradford Hurricanes. Bradford Blues finished third.Panathlon W YorKs leaders

Penny Wilkinson, a teacher with the Bradford schools, said: “What a brilliant day. It was so well organised, the best we have been to. All children excelled and all have said when is the next one.”

Mohammed Ali Shah, a pupil from Bradford, added: “I had an ace time meeting new friends and trying new sports. I loved table cricket – I could smash it!”

The outstanding group of leaders noticed the impact that Panathlon had on the children.

Caitlin Bannermann said: ” I loved today. It brings everyone together and knocks down barriers that stop people from participating. It showed us as leaders how much it means to the children to compete, socialise and be together in a team. All us leaders worked well together and this also added to the greatness of the day.”

Support came from West Yorkshire Sport and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Leeds. Dave King, of Irwin Mitchell, said: “This is exactly what our catch cry is – can do. All children certainly did that today.”

Irwin MitchellWYSport_RGB_with exclusion