On Thursday, 27 June, Oaklands College played host to the finale of the Hertfordshire School Games. This event took place at the College’s St Albans Campus, welcoming students from fifteen secondary and primary schools across Hertfordshire. They competed to showcase who was the fastest, strongest, and most skilled.
The Hertfordshire School Games, now in its third year, made its debut at Oaklands College. This year’s event was particularly special, thanks to the presence of Gladiators Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Nitro, a renowned figure in the world of fitness and athletics, added an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the occasion.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, widely known as Nitro, isn’t just a TV personality; he’s a celebrated sprinter and Olympian. Born on 29 August 1988, Harry has had an illustrious career in athletics. He’s won medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, representing Great Britain. Nitro is not only known for his speed but also his strength, making him a perfect role model for the young athletes at the Games.
The event also saw the attendance of the Stevenage Mayoress, who mingled with Nitro, much to the delight of the students and spectators. Her presence emphasised the community’s support for local sports and young talent. The Mayoress’s enthusiasm was palpable as she interacted with the participants, encouraging them and recognising their hard work and dedication.
Sue McKinnon, Marketing Officer at Oaklands College, expressed her excitement about hosting the event. “Over 1,000 students were given access to our grounds and new facilities. This was due to problems with their previous location and our desire to share our facilities with the local community as much as possible,” she said. McKinnon added, “We have managed to arrange for seven different sports activities to take place, including cricket, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, rugby (boys and girls), and tennis.”
This broad range of activities ensured there was something for everyone, regardless of their sporting preferences. The college grounds buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as students competed, cheered, and enjoyed the sunny day.
Nitro’s involvement brought a sense of inspiration and motivation. His journey from a young athlete to an Olympian and TV star resonated with many students. He shared stories of his athletic career, his training regimes, and the importance of perseverance and hard work. “You’ve got to believe in yourself and put in the effort. Success doesn’t come overnight,” he told the eager young athletes.
The highlight of the day was Nitro’s demonstration of some fitness techniques. Students watched in awe as he showcased his skills, blending speed and strength in a display that left everyone inspired. He then took part in a Q&A session, where students asked him about his career, his experiences on Gladiators, and how he balances fitness with life.
The Mayoress also took the time to praise the students’ efforts. “It’s wonderful to see so many young people participating and giving their best. Events like these are crucial for fostering a love for sports and physical activity,” she said. Her words echoed the sentiments of many parents and teachers present, who appreciated the positive impact of such events on their children’s development.
In addition to the competitive spirit, the event also fostered a sense of community. Parents, teachers, and students mingled, shared stories, and celebrated the joy of sports. The College’s St Albans Campus proved to be the perfect venue, with its state-of-the-art facilities providing an excellent backdrop for the games.
The success of this year’s Hertfordshire School Games has set a high benchmark for future events. With the support of the local community and the inspiration provided by figures like Nitro, the future of young athletes in Hertfordshire looks bright. The collaboration between Oaklands College, local schools, and sports personalities like Nitro demonstrates the power of community and the importance of nurturing young talent.
