The inaugural Bristol Festival of School Sport took place at the University of Bristol's Coombe Dingle Sports Complex on March 26-28 2008. The three-day festival celebrates sports participation and achievement at all levels and is specifically aimed at pupils who do not usually represent their school in sport.

The event is part of the Community Programme linked to the 2008 Bristol and Bath UK School Games taking place from 28 -31 August. Not only does the UK School Games provide competitive sporting opportunities at an elite level but also works with coaches, officials and volunteers from national governing bodies as well as local community projects, such as the Bristol Festival of School Sport, to provide opportunities for pupils to engage in both traditional and non-traditional sports at a grassroots level.

Comprimising of 12 different sports, including extreme golf, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, tag rugby, table tennis, cycling, boccia, t-ball, rowing, orienteering, mini-tennis and indoor athletics, the Festival of School Sport caters for entrants at a participation level, and aims to give these young people a positive experience of sport and advice on how to get involved in regular sporting activities in their local area.

The event is funded and delivered by a unique partnership of the following organisations; Bristol City Council, The John Rutley Sport Fund, the University of Bristol, West of England Sport Trust (Wesport), Healthy Schools and the School Sport Partnerships - Ashton Park, City Academy and Portway. The event was supported by student volunteers from the University of Bristol and Filton College and the School Sport Co-ordinators

Karen Harvey, Community Sport Development Manager at the University of Bristol and Chair of the event working group, said: "This event reflects a city wide commitment to encouraging young people in Bristol to take part in, and enjoy taking part in, sport and physical activity. Everyone has worked hard to ensure that the event programme is fresh and attractive to schools and pupils and most importantly, that every single person involved, be they a pupil, teacher, coach or volunteer, goes home proud of having taken part in an outstanding day of sport and keen to do it all over again."

Beth Mayman, Senior Competition Manager at Wesport, said:" It is really rewarding to be involved in delivering this fantastic event for young people in Bristol, as it provides an exciting and unique opportunity for pupils who do not usually represent their school sports teams to participate in a wide range of sports competitions and receive quality coaching. I hope that this experience will encourage and motivate them to continue taking part in school and community sport."

For further information please contact Karen Harvey, Community Sport Development Manager, Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Bristol.