Hundreds of youngsters set to take part in Devon Ability Games 

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 11:49am

Three hundred youngsters from mainstream special educational needs departments and Special Schools will be taking part in the Devon ability games in Barnstaple this week.    
 
The event is being staged at the Tarka Tennis Centre on Wednesday 6th February. The opening ceremony begins at 10.15 am and will include a street dancing performance by a group of students from Great Torrington School.  

“It’s always great to see so much healthy competitive sport.” said Lisa Alford, Active Devon. 

“This event also provides opportunities for participants to try new and different types of physical activities which they really enjoy” 
 
Three hours of competition will get underway at 11am. 
 
Among the featured sports are: 
 
    •    Sitting Volleyball 

    •    New Age Kurling 

    •    Archery 

    •    Table Cricket 


In addition, there will also be a number of taster activities, including: 

    •    Boccia 

    •    Street Dance 

    •    Wheelchair Basketball 

    •    Laser Shooting 

    •    Fencing 

    •    Taiko Drumming 

    •    Mini Red Tennis 


The Active Devon organisers are delighted that around 70 young leaders will assist with the officiating, scoring and staging of the event 

They will be joined by sporting champion Adam Tobin, a North Devon gymnast who currently trains at the nearby Falcons academy in Barnstaple. Adam has been there since he was 6 years old, and now trains for 30 hours every week. He is the current British U18 champion, European silver medallist and finished 5th at the youth Olympics in Argentina. Adam is a current member of the Great Britain Senior squad and a UK Sport funded athlete. 

 “We are so pleased to have a local sporting icon attending this event.” said Lisa Alford. 

“Adam is such an inspiration to young people, and I know he’s really looking forward to meeting as many of the youngsters as he can throughout the day” 

The medal presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2pm 
 

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