Celebratory SPAR Lancashire School Games finale events held

Hundreds of children from across the Red Rose County took part in the celebratory SPAR Lancashire School Games Finale events in Blackpool and Preston.

Under blue skies and brilliant sunshine, there was a carnival atmosphere in Blackpool as the Coastal cluster enjoyed activities on the day included girls’ football, tag rugby, wheelchair basketball, boccia, curling, dodgeball, and archery.

Meanwhile in Preston, the Central cluster had a bright and breezy day for target sports, orienteering, footgolf, girls’ football, dance, and traditional sports day games, all played out in feelgood vibes.

The Pennine cluster finale in Burnley was postponed due to the weather and will now be held in September when the schools return for the new academic year.

The SPAR Lancashire School Games are delivered in three distinct clusters in Lancashire – Coastal, Central, and Pennine – aligned to local needs, and in the 2024-25 academic year, 30,000 children across the county have participated in the Games.

Run by Active Lancashire and the School Games Organiser Network, the Lancashire School Games have been sponsored by SPAR through its association with James Hall & Co since 2006.

Shayaan Khan, age 11, from St Pius X Preparatory School in Preston, and Annabelle Henley, age 10, from St Theresa’s Primary School in Penwortham, were two participants in the Finale events.

Shayaan said: “We were very good at the team building challenges. Working together and helping each other, we showed excellent teamwork, and the orienteering was good fun using the map to find what we need.”

Annabelle said: “I was playing football which I love, and it was great to be in a team with my friends. We had lots of different opposition teams to play against in a positive environment.”

Diane Moss, from Holy Cross Primary School in Chorley, said: “I previously worked for Gemma the Chorley School Games Organiser, and I was there when the SPAR Lancashire School Games started in 2006. I still love the School Games now.

“When I speak to children who are now adults and mention the School Games Finale, they still remember it as one of the best days of their life. Taking part is a brilliant experience and children really do get a lot out if it which is why there is such affection for the Games.”

Niels Dekkers, marketing and IT director at James Hall & Co, said: “Physical activity is hugely important to living a healthy lifestyle. I am proud of SPAR’s work in supporting the Lancashire School Games and promoting the importance of this in young people.

“A huge well done to the team at Active Lancashire and the School Games Organisers in delivering such a wide range of activities this year to so many children county wide as we approach the milestone 20th year of SPAR’s sponsorship.”

Adrian Leather, chief executive of Active Lancashire, said: “The blend of physical movement, camaraderie, and diverse mix of exciting activities means there is always a terrific feeling at the Lancashire School Games Finale events. They are firm favourites in our calendar, and I am delighted with the outcomes in 2025.

“SPAR’s continued support is invaluable to the success of the Games and what we aim to achieve together with the School Games Organiser Network, and long may that positive work continue into the future.”

James Hall & Co is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.