About

In these days of increasing child obesity it is refreshing to find an organisation that is helping to buck the trend. The Thanet Primary Association for School Sport, or 'Thanet Passport' as it is more popularly known, helps organise and supports all primary school sports festivals and competitions across the District and the figures are impressive.

Since its formation in 2011, Thanet Passport now has annual participation figures of more than 10000. Over 4000 pupils a year, that's a third of children attending primary school in the Thanet District, have taken part in at least one of the 70+ Passport events and festivals. A wide variety of sports are currently on their calendar - American football, athletics, basketball, cricket, cross country, dance, dodgeball, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, netball, orienteering, rounders, rugby league, rugby union, speed stacking, squash, swimming, table tennis and tennis. New sports are being introduced all the time with others in the pipeline, such as volleyball, surfing and archery.

Gary Rees, Chairman

Chairman of Thanet Passport, Gary Rees, a former local Headteacher and PE co-ordinator, is one of the founders of the organisation. He is justifiably proud of what has been achieved and said, 'Primary school sport in Thanet has always been strong, with teachers and sports coaches giving freely of their time to run after school clubs and organise teams. However, there was a great deal of duplication with every sports association having their own committee, treasurer and secretary. Because these associations were working in isolation there would occasionally be a clash of dates for events, which was frustrating for staff, parents and pupils alike, particularly if a child was very sporty. This no longer happens and our calendar, which goes out a year in advance, also allows schools to plan in their trips and sports days accordingly. Basically we have taken over all of the administration, which has freed up school staff to do what they do best - educate and coach.'

Gary continued, 'We are a totally non-profit making organisation which is run by a dedicated committee of primary school practitioners. With the support of The Ursuline College we have set up a unique model of inter-school sporting collaboration in our area that has drawn nationwide attention. Every single primary school in the District has joined Passport, including one private school. For a small annual fee they receive our calendar of events, a regular update giving details of forthcoming events and instead of having to pay affiliation fees to various organisations, such as the Football Association, this is now done centrally. We have been able to negotiate discounts, organise first aid cover, venues and coaching, plus we provide certificates, trophies and medals. One of the hallmarks of Thanet Passport is the distribution of medals. We have discovered that our medals are much sought after by the children and this encourages increased participation.'