The event was the first of its kind for the trust and is the brainchild of Jack Clarke, Fitness Manager at Academy Leisure in Sawtry. 

Jack set up the ‘Fitness Games’ as part of his work to raise awareness of functional fitness across Meridian Trust. 

His aim is to enhance the sporting curriculum, create development opportunities for teachers and inspire students to get active. 

72 Year nine students from six secondary schools competed in the first ever ‘Fitness Games’ last week. (Image: Meridian Trust)

Explaining where the inspiration came from, Jack said: “We held a functional fitness training day for Meridian Trust staff last year and the feedback was so positive that this felt like a natural continuation of the great foundations that we laid back then.” 

The Fitness Games are inspired by national competitions like CrossFit and the National Fitness Games, which are rising in popularity, and focus on skills such as mobility, movement standards, strength training, and conditioning. 

In total, 72 Year nine students attended from six secondary schools, competing in three strength and conditioning-based challenges. 

The schools that took part were Ely College, Sawtry Village Academy, Greater Peterborough UTC, Nene Park Academy, Sharnbrook Academy and Stratton Upper School. 

Director for PE for Meridian Trust, Natasha Seabrook, said: “Health-related exercise is important for development and wellbeing of young people. 

“I’m thrilled that today has helped our students to open their minds as to what sport and exercise can do for them.” 

72 Year nine students from six secondary schools competed in the first ever ‘Fitness Games’ last week. (Image: Meridian Trust)

Inclusion was at the top of the agenda and Jack was keen to ensure that the day was enjoyable for all ability levels, so attendees were split into four categories – RX Boys, RX Boys, Scaled Boys, Scaled Girls, replicating the same model as CrossFit style challenges. 

“What we love about Jack’s ethos is how accessible his programmes are,” Natasha said. 

“He understands that events like this should appeal to all abilities, not just the most ‘sporty’ students.” 

Georgia and Patrick from the Academy Leisure Sawtry Fitness Team played the role of head judges alonside some Sixth Form volunteers from Sawtry Village Academy. 

One of the students who took part in the ‘Fitness Games’ said: “We loved the event. It was such a fun; supportive atmosphere and it was nice to take part in something different.” 

72 Year nine students from six secondary schools competed in the first ever ‘Fitness Games’ last week. (Image: Meridian Trust)