AROUND 1,000 schoolchildren from across Bradford will compete in this year’s Bradford Winter School Games, which take place on Friday.

The second annual tournament will see budding athletes from the district face off in a number of different sports to be crowned Bradford Schools Champions.

The victorious children will secure places at the West Yorkshire finals held later this year, representing the district against children from across the county.

Children, from primary schools, secondary schools and special schools around the district, will compete in athletics, basketball, boccia, football, hockey, netball, and table tennis.

The events will take place at Hanson Academy, Goals Soccer Centre and Pulse Health and Fitness in Swain House.

Children taking part were chosen following five local qualifying events around the district last term, which involved more than 5,000 pupils.

Richard Woods, principal at Hanson Academy, said: “We are proud to offer our fantastic facilities to host the Bradford Winter Games 2017.

“Physical education and the School Games is an integral part of our school so we are excited to welcome some of the most talented young athletes from across Bradford to compete in the finals.

“We recognise the hard work put in by school staff, parents and athletes in reaching this stage so take pleasure in being able to offer our facilities and support to ensure the games are once again a huge success.”

The Winter School Games are supported by a number of Bradford and national partners, including Bradford City, Bradford Bulls Foundation, Bradford Dragons Basketball Club, the Rebels Netball Club, Bradford Hockey Club, Table Tennis England and Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, will be at the opening of the Games alongside former England, Great Britain and Bradford Bulls captain Jamie Peacock MBE.

The successful teams and individuals from these games will go on to the West Yorkshire finals, which are being held on Saturday, March 25, at Leeds Beckett University.

The Bradford Winter Schools Games form part of the National School Games Programme, which is a unique programme designed to motivate and inspire millions of children across the UK to take part in more competitive school sport.