COUNTY youngsters paid tribute to Paralympic star Sascha Kindred at last week’s Herefordshire School Games.

With Weobley Primary School providing a water themed opening dance the focus moved onto Enola Holt from Burghill Primary Academy who told the 1,700 young people about how Sascha’s visit to her school had such an impact on her, helping her to develop her confidence and by now trying to live Sascha’s words of “Dreams truly are what you make of them.”

With other schools recounting how the 63 time medallist had influenced and inspired the young people, it was left to Hursty from Free Radio to thank Sascha on behalf of the whole county.

Sascha said: "I was pleased to attend the Herefordshire School Games to watch local children take part in a wide range of sports.

"The sun was out and everyone taking part had a wonderful time.

"I also got the opportunity to share my gold medal from Rio with everyone and hopefully inspire the young people to chase their dreams."

With the formalities giving way to the fun, the young people scattered in to each and every corner of the Hereford Leisure Centre.

A swarming mass of coloured tees, each emblazoned with the “I Took Part!” motto on the back, they would compete across 11 different sports from sportshall athletics to lacrosse and in 15 separate competitions.

Alongside the competitions running across the site, at the heart of the event was a school games village where young people could fill their spare time between events with a whole timetable of fun activities.

Organised by ignite cic, it gave the young people a chance to try their hand at activities from short mat bowls to archery and yoga to crossfit.

Run by local community sports groups, the activities inspired young people to try different sports as well as promoting an active lifestyle.

The matches between schools were keenly contested but good natured. Some schools were awarded trophies for honesty, teamwork, self-belief and passion to reflect the values that sport can help to develop in young people

Tim Knapp, the chair of the Local Organising Committee said: "The games are an incredible opportunity for young people to come together and participate in sport.

"It is truly inspiring to see over 1,700 young people from across our county working together and competing in a spirit of tolerance and respect.

"I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in organising the games and supporting their continued success.

"Herefordshire should be truly proud that we have one of the largest and most inclusive school games in the country."

All areas of the county were represented at the medal ceremony with cups going to Walford in the south, Burley Gate in the east, Wigmore in the north and Kingsland in the west.

Gorsley and Wigmore were the big winners with two victories each.