Published: 10 January, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

PRIMARY school children across the borough can look forward to another action-packed sports programme in 2013 thanks to the work of an independent organisation dedicated to keeping kids active.

Camden School Sport Association (CSSA) presents boys and girls with the opportunity to line up against athletes from other schools in a fun, yet competitive, environment where they can forge new friendships. Their well-crafted calendar kicks off with a dodgeball tournament in January, and goes on to cover athletics, basketball, benchball, cricket, cross-country, football, netball and rounders.

Events co-ordinator Sophie Sparrow is gearing up for what promises to be another big year for the CSSA, which is run by teachers.

“This year there are even more opportunities for children to take part in sports at all different levels,” she said. “The largest event is the cross-country in March with over 1,500 children taking part.

“Winners of some CSSA competitions will even be invited to represent the borough at the London School Games. The CSSA will continue to provide opportunities for state primary school children, in equal numbers of boys and girls, in Camden to compete, have fun and grow as individuals and athletes.”
There were plenty of cheers and magical medal moments as the CSSA brought an end to their 2012 campaign in spectacular style.

Overall 10 schools took part in the benchball championships at William Ellis School in Highgate, where pupils were put into mixed school teams represented by colours. Refereed by sports leaders from nearby school La Sainte Union, the Orange and Brown teams won their respective ‘A’ and ‘B’ competitions.

After five weeks of pulsating action the basketball league, which was also held at William Ellis, also came to an end with the boys’ team from St Aloysius School in Somers Town and the girls’ team from Brookfield in Highgate being crowned champions.­