Battle of the Balance Bikes!

Held at Summerhill Country Park and Visitors Centre, reception children from St. Aidan’s CE, St. Cuthbert’s R.C., Holy Trinity C of E and St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary Schools raced around an outdoor track on specialised Balance Bikes, which are designed to help young children develop their balance and confidence on two wheels.

After a series of knock-out races, it was the team from St Aidan’s CE that collected the most wins, leading them to the title of Balance Bike champions 2018. Sebastian Laycock, aged 5 from St. Aidan’s CE Primary School won first prize in the individual scorings.

The four schools involved had previously booked Balance Bike sessions through Summerhill. At the sessions, children are taught to use specialised bikes, which are designed to help young children develop the skills required to ride a bike.

Adam Reah, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator for Summerhill, said: “The tournament was a huge success, with all the children really getting involved and vying for the top prize.

“There was tough competition, but ultimately it was the team from St. Aidan’s CE Primary School who sped around the track to take home the title.

“Overall feedback from the day was excellent, with staff from each of the schools involved commenting that the children had a brilliant time, and that it was a fantastic way to recognise their achievements and refresh their memories following on from the Balance Bike sessions.

“Because of its success, we are keen to make this an annual sporting event. We look forward to inviting even more Hartlepool schools along next year to take on the challenge and get involved in what’s sure to be an even bigger tournament.”

The tournament was funded by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Transport and Infrastructure team as part of the ‘Let’s all Ride a Bike’ scheme.

For more information about the Balance Bike sessions or to book, please visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/summerhill-balance-bikes or call 01429 284584.