NEARLY 200 schoolchildren competed in a multi-sports festival aimed at getting young people more active.

Pupils from Hangleton Primary School, Goldstone Primary School, St Andrew’s CE Primary School and the Bilingual School in Hove took part in the Community Games event hosted by Legal and General and the charity SportInspired.

They took part in athletics, dodge ball, karate, rugby, tennis and street dance at Withdean Sports Centre in Brighton.

Also helping were 25 pupils from Blatchington Mill School in Hove who volunteered as young leaders.

The event aims not only to get more youngsters active but also help them develop confidence, life skills and improve mental wellbeing.

Millie Downes, from SportInspired, said: “The aim of the event is for every child to find a sport they fall in love with to encourage them to continue it and be active so they lead healthier and happier lives.

“It’s about boosting their confidence so they can transfer this confidence to other areas of life when they won’t even realise their learning.

“There is plenty of research that links being active to improving mental wellbeing too.”

She said the event could not happen without the teachers, young leaders, coaches and the Legal and General employees who give up their time to volunteer.

Young leader Daisy Hook, 14, who dances as a hobby said: “I think sport is a good way to boost confidence because when people are cheering you on it is going to encourage you to do more.”

Lisa Ford, from Legal and General, said: “It’s great to see the kids come together and use sport as a way to introduce themselves to each other and have some fun.”

Alice Vincent, a teacher from Hangleton Primary, said: “This makes a big difference especially for kids whose parents might not be able to take their children to sports clubs due to work commitment or financial resources.”