Sporting success for Team Teignbridge
The new-look Devon Youth Games has been declared a resounding success with hundreds of young people taking part in a range of sports on one day.
An estimated 1,000 young people took part in the day of sporting action on Sunday 12 July, organised by Teignbridge District Council and Torbay Council and sponsored by the Rotary in the South West Peninsula.
Youngsters representing different council authority areas throughout Devon scooped armfuls of medals in individual and team events. The overall Games trophy was awarded to Teignbridge and the fair play trophy was awarded to Torbay Council.
Teignbridge won gold medals in mixed cricket, girls football, boys hockey, girls hockey, high 5 netball, triathlon year 9&10; silver medals in boccia, gymnastics, netball, girls rugby, table tennis year 5&6, table tennis year 7&8, triathlon year 7&8 and bronze medals were given to teams competing in athletics and street sports.
Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesman for Recreation and Leisure said:
“What an incredible day! Up to 1,000 children competed in sports competitions on one day, from open water triathlon to hockey. It was fantastic and well done to everyone who took part.
“This year the Games has been transformed with a new look, a new way of delivering the event and it’s been funded by local businesses and partners so our thanks go to them for getting involved so enthusiastically.
“None of this would have happened without the help of volunteers from clubs and sports groups all over the county, nor would it have been made possible without the commitment of Teignbridge and Torbay’s officers who worked hard to make it happen.
“The number of participants has doubled and thanks to the hard work of all involved it will become the South West Peninsula Games in 2016, with teams from other counties being invited to join in this unique community sport celebration."
Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said:
"The Devon Youth Games was a highly successful event with over 1,000 young people coming together in the spirit of fair play and competition. We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Teignbridge District Council to, once again, bring this event to the Bay.
"The games had an Olympic style atmosphere and it was great to see that the weather did not dampen the spirits of the competitors. Our Torbay team was outstanding, achieving 15 medals out of 19 sports. We also took second place in the overall event and won the Fair Play Trophy for the first time in the history of the Games - a wonderful achievement.
"Combining a fun event with healthy competition can really inspire children and young people to take up regular sporting activities, which can help them lead healthier lives in the future. We hope to see the Games return here in future years."
Devon Youth Games, previously Devon Games to Inspire, brought together young people aged 8 -16yrs, and a number of young sports leaders, clubs, national governing bodies and volunteers to run the events.
The Games takes place every summer and competitors from all over Devon compete in a range of sports for their local authority area. This year it was held at Paignton Academy, Torbay Velopark, Torbay Leisure Centre and Parkfield.
Trials in different sports were organised for anyone to have a chance to be selected for the teams representing their authority. Each competitor received free transport and a free t-shirt on Games day as well as plaudits and a medal for their outstanding efforts.
For more information including videos and photos visit:
www.teignbridge.gov.uk/dyg
www.facebook.com/teignbridgeleisure
www.twitter.com/TDC_Leisure
The Devon Youth Games social media pages can be found on Google+ (search for Devon Youth Games) and Twitter @gamesdevon.
