Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Games inspires Olympic hopefuls

Over 550 young athletes from across the county competed in Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Youth Games at Stoke-on-Trent’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Roe Lane Playing Fields on the 5th July.

The young starlets, who represented their local authority teams braved early showers to provide a fantastic sporting spectacle and as the sun began to shine the competition heated up.

Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT) sports manager Jane Kracke commented, “It was a wonderful day. All the hard work in putting the games together paid off. Thanks to all those who made the games happen, but a special thank you to all the competitors. We had some very high quality performances from our young athletes in all the sports competitions – I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a future Olympian amongst them.”

Youth Games 05 July 08

Young people from East Staffordshire (yellow) and South Staffordshire (plum) compete in the tag rugby event

The day, which was formally opened by The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Derek Capey, started with an energetic display from dancers Signal 1 Hotshots who gave the audience of over 800 people an exhilarating hip hop and street dance demonstration. The competition then got underway, with athletes competing in girls’ football, girls’ cricket, tag rugby, table tennis, tennis and triathlon; in line with the Olympic spirit there was a demonstration of badminton and there were also taster sessions for those who wanted to try their hand at basketball and canoeing.

Youth Games 05 July 08

Competitors from Lichfield show-off their tennis trophy, medals and certificates

SASSOT’s director, Mark Thornewill was pleased with the success of the day adding “The event is a key element of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent London 2012 Legacy Action Plan as we seek to build a lasting benefit for sport across the sub region. We are grateful to Fenton Manor and Roe Lane for providing their excellent facilities in support of the event. Thanks also to Mark Harrod Ltd and Highland Spring who donated sports equipment and water for the day – it was a tremendous occasion with great support."

Youth Games 05 July 08
Staffordshire Moorlands competitors take time out to have their faces painted

GB basketball star and former Stoke resident, Jo Sarjant was in attendance for the day as a Sporting Champion ambassador, giving a rousing speech during the opening ceremony to encourage the athletes to pursue their sporting dreams. Speaking to the assembled teams of athletes, Jo said “I used to dream of collecting a medal on a podium at a big event. By working hard and staying focused I achieved it by winning a Commonwealth bronze in Melbourne in 2006 – if I can do it anyone can”.

For more information contact:

Naomi Bird
Research and Marketing Officer
Tel: 01785 619585
Email: nbird@staffordbc.gov.uk

Click here to return to the newsletter