More than 320 primary school children from across the Isle of Wight came together at West Wight Sports Centre for the Island’s sixth annual PEACH Games.

The event, organised by the Isle of Wight Public Health team alongside School Games Organisers Tony Harris and Andy Day, saw pupils take part in a range of sporting activities designed to promote physical activity, teamwork and wellbeing.

Around 70 secondary school sports leaders supported the day, helping to run activities and encouraging younger participants throughout the event.

The games were officially opened by the Isle of Wight’s Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, and Isle of Wight Council chairman Councillor Ian Dore, highlighting the continued success of the Partnership for Education, Attainment and Children’s Health (PEACH) programme.

Pupils rotated through a variety of team-based and individual activities aimed at improving fitness, coordination, balance and confidence, while encouraging children to enjoy sport and achieve the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Alongside the sporting challenges, children also took part in team-building exercises, problem-solving activities and first-aid sessions within the event’s athlete village.

Kate Harvey, the Island’s director of Public Health, said: “The PEACH Games are an important event in the promotion of physical activity, positive wellbeing and healthy competition. This supports young people to lead healthy lives with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.”

Councillor Dore added: “The Games are incredibly important as they build team spirit among the children, who spent the whole day cheering on their friends and enjoying trying new activities.

“There was lots of positivity, inspiration and collaborative working, all encouraging each other to cross the line. It was wonderful to see the children experience exercise and being outdoors in a fun and inclusive way, and the wonderful weather on the day only amplified that.”

Organisers said feedback from participating schools had been overwhelmingly positive. The secondary school sports leaders were praised for their commitment and leadership throughout the day, helping activities run smoothly and inspiring younger pupils to get involved.

The PEACH programme supports schools in improving the health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and families through an award-based framework focusing on physical activity, healthy eating, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), and emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Throughout the academic year, children and young people have taken part in nine PEACH events, trying sports ranging from basketball and hockey to gymnastics and quidditch.

The PEACH Games are aimed particularly at supporting Year 3 and Year 4 pupils who are less engaged in physical activity, while also providing leadership opportunities for students in Years 9 to 13. The initiative also contributes towards schools achieving Gold and Platinum School Games Mark awards.

Organisers thanked a number of local organisations for helping make the event a success, including West Wight Sports Centre, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and Mental Health Support Team, the School Nursing Team, New Carnival Company, Wight Event First Aid & Training, and the Isle of Wight College Sports Department.