On Your Marks bigger and better

The Guernsey Sports Commission’s On Your Marks holiday club is even bigger and better this year.

The club runs for the whole school holidays and provides a range of fun sporting activities for school age children. This year more spaces have been made available and there’s been a change of venue.

‘It’s about offering a variety of activities that children can access regardless of any previous experience,’ said Dave Harfield, the Commission’s PE and Sport Development Officer responsible for On Your Marks.

‘The aim is first and foremost for the children to enjoy the experience and maybe have the chance to try something a little different, whilst doing something physical.’

The Commission offers sessions for three different age groups during the holidays; Fun and Fit for Reception to Year 2, Multi Sports for pupils in school years 3 to 6 and a variety of secondary age activities.

‘I really like playing sports,’ said one year 4 pupil from Notre Dame. ‘I especially like football, hockey and tennis.’

‘I like playing rounders and having fun with my friends,’ said another.

‘We have been fortunate to have use of the amazing facilities at St Sampson’s High School and the staff there have been very welcoming, enabling us to use the fantastic spaces,’ said Dave.

‘We have also had great engagement from some of the Sport Specific Development Officers, including those from Athletics, Badminton, Sailing and Fencing and hopefully in the future, we will be able to offer things like climbing and swimming, all at an affordable rate.’

On Your Marks also offers an opportunity for young people interested in a career in sport or working with children the chance to gain some experience whilst earning some money.

‘Our staff have been fantastic in putting together the activities and have been really positive about the changes that have been made this summer, enabling more children access to our On Your Marks programme than ever before.

‘Hopefully we will be able to expand the programme further for the October Half term…. Watch this space…’