TWO Bolton primary schools took part in a star-studded tag rugby tournament aimed at championing children’s mental health.

The event that took place at Sale Sharks’ Carrington Lane training ground was attended by 19 Sharks players, including Tom Curry, Manu Tuilagi and Jason Robinson OBE.

Co-hosted by the rugby union side, their charitable arm Sharks Community Trust and Bolton-based electrical giants and front of shirt sponsor AO, the ‘Are you AO-K’ tournament was attended by St Matthew’s CE Primary in Little Lever, and St Stephen’s Primary in Kearsley Moor.

In total, over 450 students from nine schools and over 15 classes from throughout Greater Manchester took part in the event to celebrate pupils completing the six-week ‘Are You AO-K’ curriculum.

The Bolton News: Over 450 students from nine schools and over 15 classes from throughout Greater Manchester took partOver 450 students from nine schools and over 15 classes from throughout Greater Manchester took part

The programme has been delivered in local primary schools by the Sharks Community Trust team, who have used workshops and tag rugby lessons to raise awareness amongst children about positive mental health and wellbeing.

Throughout the day, each class had the opportunity to showcase the tag rugby skills they have been taught by coaches whilst participating in a knockout tournament spanning across eight training pitches. Each pitch was allocated two Sharks players, who were on hand to give pupils training tips and advice before each match. 

The students also had the opportunity to enjoy a host of other activities, including a DJ and inflatables.

Vicky Irwin, Community Manger at Sharks Community Trust said: “Are you AO-K has made such a valuable difference to young people right across the North West.

“We are so proud to be involved in this project and the impact that it has made. It’s fantastic to see the club’s principal partner working together with the Sharks Community Trust to support mental well-being and change lives in our region.” 

Andrew Townsend, Deputy Head Teacher of St Stephens Kearsley Moore CE Primary School, said: “It’s wonderful that a well-known rugby team like Sale Sharks is doing what it can to look after their local community and to have a nationwide company backing ‘Are You AO-K’ is really fantastic.”

‘Are you AO-K’ is being taught in schools across the North West and the programme will run in 125 schools throughout the region over the next five years which means that hundreds of children will benefit from this ground-breaking scheme.