Ivybridge students open UK School Games to capacity crowd

76 gymnasts, dancers and singers wow audience at Motorpoint Arena

Students from Ivybridge Community College were centre stage at the opening of the UK School Games in Sheffield, as they presented ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ – a singing, dancing and gymnastic extravaganza – to a packed audience at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.

Among those watching the spectacular performance were Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockcroft and 1,600 athletes that are taking part in the multi-sport event.

Set to the popular Queen song ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, the five-minute audio and visual spectacular included 76 talented students, aged 11-18, from Ivybridge Community College.  Combining a mixture of sport and performing arts, the piece celebrated the enjoyment of being involved in sport, the power of working together as a team, and the satisfaction gained from achieving personal goals – regardless of the obstacles that others put in your way. 

“It was an amazing feeling to be out there performing in front of so many people,” said performer Chloe Sneap.  “It’s such a huge occasion, with people from all over the country watching – I can’t believe our performance went so well.”

The performance took place at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, which is also one of the venues for the School Games events.  The Ivybridge act was a culmination of almost a year of preparation, which began with a national search by the Youth Sport Trust to find a dramatic act to open the Games.

“What an amazing experience this has been for all the students involved, and a great reward for all their hard work” said Helen Reddy, Head of Performing Arts at Ivybridge Community College. “What began as just a seed of an idea has grown into a huge spectacle, showcasing the very best of what Ivybridge performing arts students are capable of. It’s a huge honour and an experience they will never forget.”

After being told they had won the chance to perform at the opening ceremony, the real hard work began, with participants from various college groups coming together to practice the routine in extra-curricular sessions.  The commitment included attending rehearsals throughout their summer holidays, after school, and at lunchtimes.

Among those participating in the piece was 13-year-old Molly Thompson.  The year nine acrobatic gymnast, who balances on top of a three-man tower at the end of the performance, said: “I normally perform my gymnastics routine with just two partners and with music in the background, but it’s much more fun to perform it when so many of your friends are all around you singing and dancing.  It’s a fantastic feeling to perform in front of such a huge crowd.”

Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: "The opening ceremony has showcased a variety of talented young singers and dancers and was the perfect way to get the 2013 School Games under way. A huge thanks to all those volunteers, coaches and support staff – without their tireless efforts and commitment this event would not happen.”

Ivybridge students travelled together Sheffield, rehearsed for a day, and then performed as the final act in the opening ceremony following the traditional athlete’s parade. 

For those interested in seeing the performance, the school has plans in place to ensure that students, parents and members of the public do not miss out.  They've already billed it as at as the headline act in ‘Fantasy’ – the school’s four-day performing arts celebration that will take place the end of the year.

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Notes to editors
About Ivybridge Community College
Ivybridge Community College is a success-orientated establishment, which has always prided itself on supporting students to achieve to their highest potential.

With more than 2,200 students, it is one of the largest schools in the UK and has an OFSTED rating of Outstanding.

The college's goal is to motivate and challenge its students. Talented and dedicated staff, disciplined students, supportive parents and an enthusiastic governing body, all work for a common purpose – allowingstudents to flourish.The college offers great alternatives to students drawn from an increasingly diverse populace and from a large area of Devon. Tertiary growth has been spectacular over the past ten years currently reaching over 550 students.

About the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games
The Sainsbury's 2013 School Games seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting which not only provides elite young sports people with the opportunity to thrive and perform at the highest levels, but also encourage more young people to take part and succeed in sport.  The development and organisation of the Sainsbury's 2013 School Games lies with the Youth Sport Trust.

The multi-sport event, which takes place from 12-15 September in Sheffield, aims to re-enforce the experience of Olympic and Paralympic Games complete with Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Around 1,600 of the nation's finest young sports stars compete in twelve current and future Olympic and Paralympic sports: Fencing, Rugby Sevens, Gymnastics, Hockey, Badminton, Athletics, Cycling, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball.

Press contact
For further information, photos, or to interview Ivybridge Community College staff and students contact James Reddy on 07967 835947, james@jamesreddy.co.uk.