CHILDREN from across Colchester came together for a squash competition on Colchester Garrison’s courts.
The Roman Cup saw 70 year three and four youngsters from nine primary schools compete at the Corporal Budd VC Gymnasium.
Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary School (year three) and Dedham Primary School (year four) emerged as the winners, with Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ciaran Griffin OBE presenting prizes.
Lt Col Griffin said: “The level of commitment from the children and their standard of squash was simply excellent. To watch so many young players from Colchester using the facilities at the Garrison is hugely satisfying.
“We want these sports facilities to be seen as Colchester’s rather than the Army’s and used as much as possible by the civilian community.”
The competition was organised by Off The Wall Squash Academy (OTWS) as the culmination of an outreach programme to introduce school children to squash.
Coaches visit schools to set up temporary squash courts and introduce children to the game. Now in its second year, an estimated 3,000 children in Essex have taken part in the programme, with some going on to represent the county at under-11s level.
OTWS is based at the Cpl Budd VC Gymnasium, which boasts six squash courts alongside a 25m swimming pool, sports hall, a boxing gym and fitness suites.