HUNDREDS of children from schools all across the Bradford district descended on the University of Bradford today for the inaugural Bradford Schools Games.

The one-day event was the culmination of qualifying events held across the district before Christmas, with secondary school pupils competing in athletics, table tennis, basketball and netball to be crowned Bradford champions and win a place in the West Yorkshire finals.

The day began with an opening ceremony at the university's Great Hall, featuring a performance from football freestyler and 18-time Guinness world record holder Ash Randall, who showed off his skills by juggling a football and performing tricks while riding a hoverboard.

Mike Barnes, head of PE at Beckfoot School said that all his students had really enjoyed taking part in the event.

He said: "The whole point of being here is to enjoy and get involved with sport, and winning comes as a bonus.

"The support staff have been incredible, and it is down to us, the schools, to tell other schools how good it was to get more children involved; the organisation and facilities were excellent and the games can only go from strength to strength."

Mr Barnes told how his Year 9 boys team pulled off an "epic" win in the basketball final.

"We were two points down with about two minutes left and managed to get level right on the buzzer, sending the game to golden basket.

"We got three free throws from a foul and missed them all, but managed to intercept Dixons Trinity's attack to score the winning point.

"No-one expected golden point to happen so everyone came to watch the finale, and when Karl Redmond landed the winning basket, everyone went absolutely mental; it was unreal."

Most events took place at the university's Unique sports centre, with the athletics taking place at the Trinity Green Sports Centre.

Unfortunately, the football and hockey events had to be postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Tyrese Richards, 11, of Bradford Academy, competed in athletics and said he really enjoyed the event.

He said: "I love doing sports, I am a really sporty person and I really enjoy running.

"When I am competing it makes me happy and gives me a sense of achievement."

The winning teams at today's event will go on to represent their schools and Bradford in the West Yorkshire finals, which forms part of the nationwide National Schools Games programme.

Mark Garratt, director of external affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “We were delighted to host the first Bradford Winter School Games and welcome hundreds of talented school children to our campus.

"Sport is an integral part of life here at the University of Bradford and we’re sure that all the young athletes will enjoy our facilities as they compete to become Bradford Schools Champions.”