The children and young people were joined at Arena Sports Kettering yesterday (October 7^th) by Olympian Jamie Baulch, who was part of the silver medal-winning 4 x 400m relay team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Jamie shared with the pupils how his sporting career started at school as a child and brought along his silver medal for them to see.

He said: “I remember winning one of my first medals at an event just like this and then, all those years later, getting an Olympic medal. So you just never know where sport might take some of these youngsters.

“There was some fantastic young talent running today, but what I loved most was the togetherness. Everyone was involved, everyone was included and there was a real sense of unity amongst all the kids. That, for me, is what sport is all about.”

The event was not just a celebration of sport but also offered Year 11 students from Northampton International Academy, Prince William School in Oundle and Wollaston School the opportunity to work alongside Sky Sports presenter Dave Fulton to report on the action as it was broadcast live on the EMAT YouTube channel.

The schools taking part in the competition were Castle Academy, Hardingstone Academy, Northampton International Academy, Orchard Academy, Prince William School, Stimpson Avenue Academy, Bozeat Primary School, Cogenhoe Primary School and Irchester Community Primary School.

Northampton International Academy was crowned winner of the primary competition, while Prince William School scored the top spot in the secondary event.

EMAT chief executive Josh Coleman said: “We first launched this event six years ago through our unique partnership with GB Olympians and in that time, the EMAT Olympic Day has grown to become a fantastic celebration of sport and media, offering pupils a truly unforgettable enrichment experience.

“The sporting competition teaches our learners about teamwork and resilience, while the involvement of our incredible special guest, Olympian Jamie Baulch, shows them what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

“I am grateful for the support of the GB Olympians legacy organisation and look forward to seeing our event continue to grow over the coming years.”