Norden School ‘proud’ of young gymnasts

Pupils at Norden Community Primary School are all smiles this week after taking fifth and sixth place at the Great British Schools gymnastic finals.

The finals took place in Stoke where the boys team took fifth place and the girls team came sixth, out of 16 schools across the country.

Norden Community Primary School was the only state school in the competition finals, other finalists included private schools with self contained gymnasiums.

The school’s Community Business Manager, Clive Wilson was delighted with the teams’ achievements, he said: “They have done extremely well, this is massive for Rochdale and it puts us on the map.

“This is the first time we have entered a boys team and they did fantastic The teams had to perform individual routines, group routines and vaulting – they were only a fraction of a point from getting third place which is a fantastic performance."

Mr Wilson added: “The girls competition was much tougher, the quality was higher as some teams had international gymnasts but they have achieved so much.”

The gymnasts are aged between 8 and 11 years old and they have also been the Rochdale and Greater Manchester schools champions for the past four years.

The teams are coached by Mike Diggle and training takes place at Sparks Gym in Heywood free of charge - the school would like to thank everybody involved in helping the pupils get this far in the competition.

Mr Wilson added: “I am so pleased and proud of the gymnasts and so is the school.”

School Governor, Councillor Ann Metcalfe said: “As a Governor I am delighted to be able to acknowledge the achievements made by our young pupils from Norden. Not only in their continued success locally but also nationally. This is well deserved recognition and praise for the high level achievements.

Mrs Metcalfe’s daughters attend the school, she added: “For many years this local primary school has been a wonderful example of how a community school should run.

“My sincere thanks to all the staff, pupils and parents who give up so much of their own time to take part in these extra curricular activities.

“Results such as this create a much needed positive image of our village, town and borough.

"I know like all schools funding is limited and any sponsorship would be really welcomed and put to good use for our youngsters.

“Thanks again, you make us proud and that's a great feeling!”