SCHOOLCHILDREN tried out new a variety of new sports during a fun-filled day of activities.

More than 200 pupils at St Margaret’s C of E Primary School in Rottingdean took part in the special event yesterday which introduced them to sports they might not have tried before.

Children donned masks in fencing, launched flying kicks in karate, danced their hearts out and dribbled around their peers in basketball.

Year 6 pupil Rowan, ten, said: “I found it very exciting because we got to do loads of sports that we don’t usually do in PE.

“I’ve tried karate, fencing, dance and basketball today.

“I definitely think I will be trying some of these new sports at clubs out of school.”

Sports clubs from across the city volunteered their time to show pupils new sports. Remzi Mehmet, of Sama Karate, said: “All the kids in the school have interacted really well with the sessions. St Margaret’s pupils have been asking lots of questions and there seems to be a lot interest.”

Year 9 students from Longhill High School were also on hand to get pupils active with group games.

Teachers at St Margaret’s hope the day will encourage students to get active. Head of PE Hilary Sinclair, said: “We wanted to allow them to try things they normally wouldn’t have the chance to do and open up their minds about taking part in different sports. Today we’ve had lots of children saying they enjoyed a new sport and want to try it outside of school.”

Headteacher Simon Hateley said: “It’s been great to support our locals club and hopefully they will grow because our children enjoyed the new sports they tried.”