Over 400 Welwyn Hatfield pupils staged their own ‘Commonwealth Games’ on Friday, July 13.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Inspired by the medal winning performances at the Games on Australia’s Gold Coast earlier this year, Year Five pupils gathered at Gosling Sports Park, representing a Commonwealth country for each school.

A total of 28 teams from 14 schools tested their mettle in sports including gymnastics, taekwondo, boxing, netball, cricket, hockey and track and field events.

Teams also competed to make the best flag and information poster for their country, with the top prize for the flag going to

Dominica from Welwyn St Mary’s.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOPupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

There were three winners for the poster competition; Jamaica from Birchwood, Seychelles from Oak View, and Trinidad and Tobago from St John’s Lemsford.

Ruby, from Oaklands Primary School, said: “I really enjoyed today as I was able to play a number of different sports.

“My favourite sports today was badminton and gymnastics.

“I got to try racketball today, and I really enjoyed it because I have never been able to play before but my dad used to play this when he was little, so it was good to be able to give it a go.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Oakview pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOOakview pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Sam, also from Oaklands, said: “I got to do gymnastics for the first time today and I loved it.

“It was my favourite activity of the day and I hope that I will have the chance to take part in gymnastics again.”

The event was organised by Welwyn Hatfield Council, Schools Sports Partnership, and Hertfordshire Sports Partnership, and was officially opened by mayor councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and Welwyn Garden City rugby star Lotte Clapp.

Lotte said: “Today is really important because when I was their age, I loved things like this, it’s a great way to enjoy sport and have no pressure on you and give other things ago.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Panshanger pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOPanshanger pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

“You learn to work in a team, resilience and other life skills that will help in the future.”

Councillor Terry Mitchinson, executive member for leisure, culture and communications, said: “The Gold Coast primary school games is all about helping students learn the importance of team work, whilst getting them involved in physical activities.

“We’re committed to maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of our young people, whilst supporting local sport and leisure facilities, and that’s why events like these are so important.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Templewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOTemplewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Panshanger pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOPanshanger pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Templewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOTemplewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Templewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOTemplewood pupils compete in the long jump at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOPupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: England Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOEngland Ladies rugby player and former Watchlytes and Sir Freds pupil Lotte Clapp speaks to pupils at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe school's flagbearers line up for the opening ceremony at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Malaysian representatives at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Malaysian representatives at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Oaklands School flagbearer representing India at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Oaklands School flagbearer representing India at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Oaklands School representing India at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Oaklands School representing India at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Holwell School representing Malta at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Holwell School representing Malta at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Harwood Hill School representing England at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Harwood Hill School representing England at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with mascot Hyopa at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Birchwood School representing Jamaica at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with Birchwood School representing Jamaica at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with sports leaders at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOOThe mayor of Welwyn Hatfield councillor Barbara Fitzsimon and England Ladies rugby player Lotte Clapp with sports leaders at the Welwyn Hatfield Gold Coast Games 2018. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)