Year three and four children from 32 primary schools were praised for their “talent and enthusiasm” at the QuadKids athletics event at the educational sports charity in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: The QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGEThe QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGE (Image: Warren Page)

QuadKids is an England Athletics initiative for schools and clubs launched in 2010. It covers four core track and field disciplines: running, throwing, jumping, and sprinting. Points are scored for each athlete in each event to give an overall winning team.

Each school was allocated a country to represent in the competition and pupils were encouraged to dress up for the occasions.

Flags, facepaint and colourful costumes were on display as the groups gathered for an Olympic-style opening ceremony to start the day.

East Anglian Daily Times: The QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGEThe QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGE (Image: Warren Page)

All children displayed sportsmanship, enthusiasm and fair play throughout the day, organisers said.

Andy Crump, programmes director at Inspire Suffolk, said: “We have already witnessed the talent and enthusiasm that local children have to play sport across a number of our events this year and QuadKids was no different.

“It was a privilege for Inspire Suffolk to host over 300 children testing their skills in four disciplines.

East Anglian Daily Times: The QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGEThe QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGE (Image: Warren Page)

“Everyone who took part gave it their absolute all and enjoyed a fantastic day of athletics.”

Sidegate Primary School won the overall gold medal for finishing first. Heath Primary School and Britannia Primary School took second and third place respectively.

The event was also organised by the Ipswich and South Suffolk School Games.

East Anglian Daily Times: The QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGEThe QuadKids under-nine school competition at Inspire Suffolk. Picture: WARREN PAGE (Image: Warren Page)

Ali Furlong, a School Games organiser, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon and to see so many children enjoying the event.

“I’m also very grateful to Waitrose for their continued support of our competition, providing refreshments for all.

“We look forward to doing more partnership events with Inspire Suffolk next year.”

Inspire Suffolk and the Ipswich and South Suffolk School Games were supported by sports coaches and apprentices at Inspire Suffolk and 30 sports leaders from Westbourne Academy and Copleston High School.