School Games Climbing Festival inspires confidence and adventure in Bognor Regis

In December, the Arena Sports Centre in Bognor Regis hosted a School Games climbing festival, bringing 45 pupils together to conquer walls, build teamwork, and spark a sense of achievement. 

With 25 attendees being pupil-premium children, the event focused on inclusivity and providing unique opportunities for those who may not typically represent their schools.

Participating schools included Parklands, Jessie Young Husband, Bersted Green, St Richard’s, Yapton, Chichester Free School, Rose Green, and South Bersted. 

Pupils participated in rope climbing, bouldering, and team-building exercises, many of which were new experiences for them.

Sarah Lawrence, an HLTA at Bersted Green, highlighted the festival’s impact: “We attend every event we are invited to as it is only a 20-minute walk from our school. The kids love it. 

“Today, six children have been chosen to come along, and they feel special that they have been chosen to do something and represent the school, so they have a sense of pride.

“These children do not necessarily put themselves forward for things, so it gives them confidence and self-belief. 

“They have been given a voucher, so they can go home and say they have been climbing today, and they can go along with their parents and show what they can do.”

For the children, the day was both challenging and rewarding.

Jack shared his excitement: “I have done loads of rock climbing on the high walls, and bouldering which was quite fun. But my favourite was the tall rock climbing wall. It is just very fun to go up, and when you get to the top, it feels great.”

Sid said: “Rock climbing makes me feel tough but happy. If you reach the top, you feel like you have achieved what you have been training for. My arms feel really achy. I feel really, really lucky to come here.”

Khloe added: “The highlight today has been going out with my friends, having an opportunity to make new ones, and doing things you do not usually do at school. It felt really tiring but fun at the same time.”

The West Sussex West School Games organiser, Sean O’Connor, arranged the event, focusing on targeted intervention.

“Today we had a climbing festival designed to target pupil-premium children. It was open to all the schools across the area. We selected the ones with the highest level of pupil premium, which meant those schools could target specific children who had not had the chance to represent their school.

“What was nice today was that children got an additional certificate for showing determination, working their way up the wall which they were not initially confident in doing. 

“Even better, we gave every single one of them a voucher so they could join one of the local clubs.

“We chose climbing because it is a unique, individually based sport that attracts children who might struggle in a competitive environment. It ensures the School Games is an opportunity for everyone to access physical activity.”

With enthusiastic feedback from schools and children alike, the climbing festival has proved to be a stepping stone to greater confidence, physical activity, and a sense of achievement for all involved. 

The initiative, supported by Lottery funding and administered by Active Sussex, aims to monitor and further support children who wish to continue their climbing journey.