Primary Isles Tag Festival

18/5/2013

Last Friday, 17 May, saw the first ever Primary Isles Tag Festival take place which Involved schools from Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Papay, North Ronaldsay, Northwalls, Rousay & Shapinsay

Pics: www.orkneyphotographic.co.uk

All schools showed great commitment once again with travel from the isles via boat and plane with Sanday J.H.S pupils coming into Kirkwall the day before and staying overnight in the youth hostel, the Isles schools were joined by Glaitness for the festival.

The festival consisted of fifteen teams and over one hundred and forty children who all participated in four games of tag rugby each. Players have received a minimum of five sessions prior to the festival to get them ready for the day.

The players from all of the teams showed great awareness of the rules, quality evasive running and showcased their skills throughout the games. All players grasped the important concepts of team work and team organisation which provided maximum participation so every played their part in the day.

Some quotes from the players were;

“We have had a brill day and always look forward to the tag festivals.”

“It’s great to be out of school and meet all of the other players.”

“Rugby is the best, I get the ball and score lots of tries, can’t wait until the next festival.”

“We all mix boys and girls and play together as part of a team which is different from other sports.”

Orkney Rugby Club youth development officer Bruce Ruthven stated;

“It has been great to have all the isle schools and Glaitness here today, despite the larger festival being cancelled a couple of weeks ago because of the weather, it has given me the opportunity to see the development of the isles and Glaitness players. They have had a great day and you don’t get tired of seeing the smiley faces and amount of pleasure they get out of the festival.

The schools deserve a lot of praise for their commitments to travel and general organisation, the intent of the schools towards the rugby festivals is always very positive and they set a high benchmark for other schools across Scotland. I would also like to thank Cashback for Communities who provide funding for the Schools travel which assists hugely towards event management.”