With Leeds Rhinos’ massive game in the Heinz Big Soup World Club Challenge just days away, Primary School children across Leeds have been getting into the spirit of the competition by taking part in their own challenge.
Leeds Rugby Foundation invited eight schools, who are part of their School Ambassador's scheme, to attend an event at Headingley Carnegie Stadium to celebrate the Rhinos forthcoming fixture against Manly Sea Eagles.
The children from Otley All saints, Froebelian School, Bramley St Peter, Hunslet St Joesphs, Morley Newlands, Churwell, Castleton and Shire Oak were asked to research a chosen country, looking at its culture, history and links to Rugby League and then present them on the day. The countries covered included Papua New Guinea, Australia and even Rwanda.
The schools certainly rose to the challenge with some interesting and entertaining presentations that involved them singing native songs, performing the haka and teaching the audience some phrases in the language of their chosen country.
Leeds Rhinos player Luke Briscoe was on hand to award a signed shirt and ball to the winning school, Hunslet St Josephs, for their creative and enthusiastic presentation that really engaged the audience.
The day was broken up with a stadium tour from Paul Daley, which as always was one of the highlights for the children, who got to see behind the scenes at the home of the Super League Champions. Each of the schools that took part will now come along and take part in a half time pitch parade at the Heinz Big Soup World Club Challenge match.
Speaking about the event Leeds Rugby Foundation's Community Manager, Jonny Wainhouse said: "It's been a fantastic day and I would like to say a big thank you to all the schools and volunteers who helped make the event possible. I was really impressed with the detail and how imaginative each were presented to us and I think I learned a fact or two myself!
"The children really seemed to enjoy the day and hopefully it will have got them enthused about Rugby League and excited about our big game against Manly. The Heinz Big Soup World Club Challenge is a massive event for the City so it pleasing to see our local schools getting behind it and supporting the Rhinos."