Teignbridge youngsters shine at Youth Games
Youngsters from Teignbridge performed superbly at the Devon Rotary Youth Games in Okehampton on Sunday 3 July.
The South West’s biggest annual youth sports event saw over 2,000 youngsters from across the county, along with representative teams from Cornwall, take part in 20 competitions across 12 sports at Simmons Park, Okehampton.
Teignbridge placed 2nd overall and 3rd in the Fair Play award. They also won a large number of medals, including gold in cricket, mini tennis, girls football, boys hockey and high 5 netball.
The team, comprising of 180 talented youngsters from across Teignbridge, was selected from various trials staged in the lead up to the Games. This has been made possible through the fantastic support from local clubs, coaches, schools and Teignbridge Team sponsors, Canonteign Falls and Kitson Solicitors.
Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesman for Recreation and Leisure said: “I was honoured to be present at the Devon Rotary Youth Games and see the enthusiasm and spirit of the Games displayed by all the young athletes participating. It was a wonderful day in the sun and I hope many of the athletes continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.
“On behalf of Teignbridge, I would like to thank everyone involved with making the Games such a success. The organisers, local clubs, coaches, schools and teachers can all take great pride from the event.
“I would also like to thank the main sponsor, Rotary in the South West Peninsula, along with all the valued sponsors for making the Games possible.”
Chairman John Coates said: “Congratulations to Teignbridge and all the competitors on Sunday. There was some really keenly fought sport running throughout the day, brilliantly supported by an army of volunteers.
“The Devon Rotary Youth Games might not quite be the Rio Olympics, which will take place in a few weeks’ time, but multi-sport events like ours that enable young people to enjoy sport in such a vibrant, fun and friendly environment can be just as powerful an inspiration.
“It would be wonderful if any of Sunday’s competitors ever go on to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics, but what’s more important is that hundreds of them go on to enjoy a lifetime of sport and all the healthy, wellbeing and social benefits it brings.
“If the Devon Rotary Youth Games plays any role in encouraging young people to be more active, then we – and our invaluable supporters – are doing our job.”
Team GB shooter Georgina Geikie was a special guest at the event, presenting medals and meeting hundreds of other participants.
The double Commonwealth medallist, who was born in Okehampton said:
“There was an incredible atmosphere at the Devon Rotary Youth Games. There were plenty of really talented young people on display and it was fantastic to see them enjoying sport in the right spirit.
“It was a real privilege to attend the Games. Events like the Devon Youth Games are the first stepping stone for thousands of people; it is where the journey begins. I hope they all fully absorbed the whole experience and stay within sport. I know from personal experience how rewarding sport can be in so many ways.”
District Governor Stephen Lay of Rotary in the South West said: “This is the second year we have supported the Devon Rotary Youth Games. It is so rewarding to witness its growing success and the impact it has on hundreds of young people from communities across the counties.
“Rotary is a body that puts a high priority on improving the lives of young people and the Devon Rotary Youth Games meets that objective perfectly. It provides a year-long goal for young people to work towards, galvanises community activity and delivers an incredible experience.”
Rotary in the South West Peninsula has 89 Rotary Clubs across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with 2,500 members: male and female and as young as 19. Rotarians enjoy the opportunity to give something back to communities at home and abroad, learn new skills and expand their social network. By combining their skills Rotarians are able to make a real contribution to the lives of others.
Devon Rotary Youth Games, previously Devon Games To Inspire, brings young people together in a unique multi-sport day of sporting action for ages 8 -18yrs, with a number of young sports leaders, clubs, national governing bodies and volunteers running the events.
