HUNDREDS of schoolchildren from across Bucks competed at the mini Olympics.

The iconic Stoke Mandeville Stadium played host to more than 1,300 children on July 4 as they competed for medals in the annual Bucks and Milton Keynes School Games.

Dozens of schools from all over the county - from Wycombe to South Bucks, to Chiltern, Aylesbury Vale and Milton Keynes – took part in the event that gave many young people their first experience of participating in a major sporting event.

More than 90 schools were represented on the day, with students taking part in 15 different sports, from athletics to swimming, rounders, table tennis and cycling.

The event, which is the culmination of a year-long programme of activities was organised by Leap, the Sport and Activity Partnership for Bucks and MK, in conjunction with the School Games Organisers.

2018 Commonwealth Games netball gold medallist Ama Agbeze MBE gave an inspirational address during the opening ceremony.

Afterwards she praised the games for being ‘so well organised’ and said: “Just being in the opening ceremony was amazing. The energy the children showed was amazing.”

Mrs Rachel Collins, a Year 3 teacher at Haddenham Community Junior School, was team manager to a group of 46 pupils competing across five sports.

She said of the event: “It’s fantastic. The opening ceremony wowed the kids. A lot of effort had gone into preparing it and it spurred the children on to try really hard throughout the games.”

Cllr Brian Roberts, Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council, said of the games: “I think it is wonderful how it brings youngsters together.”

The School Games is one of several programmes aimed at giving young people an active start in life and using the power of sport to help develop vital skills.