Sports has been at the heart of the borough’s primary schools over the last couple of weeks as a record number of schools took part in the Sportshall Athletics competition. 

Taking place at Sydney Russell School, 30 primary school teams mixed with boys and girls, competed in the multi-sports event. William Bellamy Primary School have been crowned the champions of the borough with an outstanding 518 points – 50 points ahead of the school placed in second.

The Dagenham school will now represent the borough at the London School Games later this year.

Donna Rose, PE Co-ordinator of William Bellamy school said: “This is an excellent result for our school. Our team have really made us proud and the team spirit among the pupils throughout the competition was brilliant - they were all supporting each other. 

“They are very excited about going to the London School Games and representing Barking and Dagenham.”

The event took place over three sessions and included javelin, speed bounce, standing long jump, triple jump and several relay races.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement: “Sporting events like this are a great way for our young people to keep active and to try out new sports. 

“It sounds like a great few days and I wish William Bellamy all the best at the London Games. I am proud of their achievement in our local games”