HUNDREDS of Southampton primary school children were challenged to test run a range of games and activities during a special sports roadshow.

From fencing to dancing, the youngsters at Hightown Primary were treated to a day of activities hosted by Southampton Solent University’s School of Sport, Health and Social Sciences.

The university brought its sports roadshow and expert coaches to the school to encourage the children to take part in a range of different activities.

Headteacher, Tim Woodford, said: “This has become one of the highlights of our year and the children just love the sports roadshow.

“The events hosted by the university not only promote a healthy lifestyle but encourage the children to enjoy being active, learn new skills and experience different challenges.”

As part of the roadshow, Solent’s team brought with them an inflatable football pitch, inflatable assault course and dance mats.

On the dance mats the children took part in a virtual league where their performance was measured against other children from schools across the area.

The points are totted up at the end of the academic year and winners announced from Key Stage I and Key Stage 2.

In addition to being active the pupils were also given the chance be creative and try their hand at sports journalism and commentating.

Julia Tucker-Blackford, partnership development manager at Southampton Solent University, said: “These school games roadshows are definitely one of the most popular programmes we offer.

“It is a whole school event where children get to take part in many different sports, some of which they may not have tried previously.

“It’s also great that we can utilise our university students in the delivery of this programme, giving them a great opportunity to gain real-world work experience.”

Hightown Primary School, situated in Thornhill, is part of the Hinkler Academies Trust along with Kanes Hill Primary School.