AKS go the extra mile for virtual sporting challenge

With school being out and all competitive sporting activity on hold, the Lytham school stayed motivated and active with another ‘virtual’ fixture involving four fellow ‘United Learning Schools’ from the South East.

After the success of the first such venture in November, a large part of the AKS community rose to the challenge of a second fixture also involving Ashford School (Kent), Dunottar (Surrey), Hitchin (Herefordshire) and Surbiton (London).

AKS students at senior and preparatory level joined staff, parents, families and governors in a challenge to stay active by walking, running or cycling.

Students were to record the miles they completed on foot or on cycles in 30 minutes, while the adults did likewise but with no time limit. The average distance covered per student was then calculated.

Although this was a sporting fixture, the ultimate objective was to keep the school community active, healthy and happy. The challenge also served as an inter-house competition at AKS, with every participant contributing points for their house.

Well over 200 represented AKS in the challenge as individuals or as families

In November’s event, a total of 850 miles were covered by AKS at an average of 4.1 miles per student in 30 minutes.

This time the total rose to an amazing 1211.47 miles, with the students’ average climbing to 4.3.

This saw AKS placed joint-second overall among the five participating schools. Across the schools, over 1350 people participated and a 9693 miles were covered.

AKS’ Kay Hanham told The Gazette: “It was great to see the improvements made by our school, in particular the increase in the average distance covered by the students and the distance travelled by our whole community.”

The inter-house competition was again hotly contested as Samlesbury took top spot with 43 points, closely followed by Leighton on 37 , Gawthorpe 23 and Rufford 20.

Most important were the benefits of the event for mental and physical health at this difficult time and AKS certainly rose to the challenge set by the PE department.

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