Batt was at Marcellin Park yesterday with more than 100 students from Hunter primary schools who were competing in the Australian Rugby Union’s under 12s Primary School’s 7s rugby competition.

East Maitland Public School, Singleton Public School, St Phillip’s Cessnock, St Patrick’s Lochinvar, St Paul’s Rutherford and Paterson Public School all entered teams in the competition.

Batt was part of the Australian team that won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in ­wheelchair rugby.

The event was a joint ­initiative between Active After-school Communities and the ARU.

AASC regional co-ordinator Eddie Figueroa said the day was a success.

“Children love that a role model such as Ryley can take the time and energy to help them learn more about the benefits of being active,” he said.

“Ryley showed the ­children that by them ­participating in sports and activities, they will learn the importance of being healthy and active, meet new friends and ­develop life-enhancing ­personal and physical skills.”

Batt is an ambassador with AASC and Figueroa said the program highlights that a community approach is more successful to getting children active.