2/12/2004 - Champion decathlete presents schools sports awards

Great Britain's number 1 decathlete and commonwealth games bronze medallist, Jamie Quarry, will present 38 schools with the Sport England activemark and sportsmark awards at a special ceremony tomorrow. The presentations will be at Low Wood Hotel in Windermere from 1pm.

The awards are given to schools which have shown a dedication developing physical education and sport both in and out of the curriculum. To achieve the award schools should provide a broad and balanced curriculum and provide a range of after school activities which meet the needs of their pupils. 102 primary schools and 18 secondary schools across the county now hold the awards.

County councillor Joan Stocker, cabinet member for education said:

"It is wonderful to see so many of our schools receive these awards. I am delighted that their hard work and commitment for delivering physical education and sports provision for the children of Cumbria has been recognised. Keeping pupils fit and healthy is an important part of the schools curriculum. The county council continues to encouraging children to take part in sport and this recognition from Sport England gives schools special credence that we can all be proud of."

Vanessa Foster, sport and physical education development officer for the county council's cumbria sport unit said:

"I am delighted to see so many schools now holding an activemark award. Some of the schools are renewing their award, upgrading to activemark gold and some are getting it for the first time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved within their school for their hard work in achieving these awards."

After three years, schools need to reapply for an activemark award, or apply for activemark gold.