Thousands of school children across Norfolk are set to take part in a colourful finale to a sporting event designed to get pupils active that this year had to be held online due to coronavirus.

Eastern Daily Press: More than 18,000 pupils usually take part in the Norfolk School Games. Picture: Neil DidsburyMore than 18,000 pupils usually take part in the Norfolk School Games. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

The hugely popular Norfolk School Games, the largest school sport event in the county, takes place every summer and usually sees around 18,000 pupils taking part in sporting festivals and competitions in the lead up to the large county-wide finals in mid-June.

However school shutdowns means this summer the format had to be adapted with outdoor physical activities being replaced by virtual sports.

MORE: Mixed reaction as primary schools not required to bring back all pupilsThe finals week from June 15–19 will reach a colourful close with a special virtual rainbow run on Friday, June 19 with all pupils from Norfolk’s schools able to take part wherever they are by putting on brightly coloured clothing and going for a run.

Whether they run fast or slow, for a short or long distance, indoors or outdoors, or even running on the spot – youngsters and their families can them share their experience by tagging and commenting on the Norfolk School Games Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, with the Rainbow emoji.

Participants can email videos and photos at schoolgames@activenorfolk.org, to be included in a finale video showcasing Norfolk’s largest school rainbow run.

With the normal Norfolk School Games unable to take place, the virtual event has kept its spirit alive with a series of weekly online challenges on social media that children could undertake safely from their home.

Eastern Daily Press: Primary and secondary pupils usually take part in the Norfolk School Games finale but this year it will end with a rainbow run online. Picture: Neil DidsburyPrimary and secondary pupils usually take part in the Norfolk School Games finale but this year it will end with a rainbow run online. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Over 800 entries have been submitted for challenges that have included tennis, angling, netball, and cricket amongst others, and helped young people to try a new skill and focus on their personal improvement.

MORE: Pupils will not visit their new secondary schools before SeptemberJo Thompson, School Games project officer from Active Norfolk said: “We are so pleased with how young people and their families have taken up the virtual challenges and have loved seeing all the smiles as young people practice different skills.

“The aim of the School Games is to encourage participation and enjoyment in sport and physical activity, and the virtual challenges have given us a great platform to continue to encourage and motivate young people to be active despite school currently being different for them.”