Talented young athletes from across County Durham gathered in Durham City last night to kick start the International Youth Games – a unique event which forms a major part of Durham County Council’s Olympic legacy ‘Join in…’ programme.
For the youngsters who have all been selected to take part it was their first chance to learn more about this prestigious event which carries the LOCOG Inspire Mark.
The International Youth Games will bring together over 200 young people, aged 15 and under, from 10 different countries and regions to compete in a youth sports challenge competition.
The competition will run over five days ending on June 15 – the eve of the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay in the county on June 16.
The objectives are:
■ to inspire young people in our community and in those communities which are linked to County Durham to embody the Olympic and Paralympic values
■ to celebrate excellence and participation
■ to develop a network of virtual communications between young people
■ to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch in County Durham
■ to develop leadership capacity in our young sports and language leaders
■ to involve the wider community in a diverse and international sports festival
Competition centres on five sports – fencing, *indoor rowing, gymnastics, swimming and athletics. (*indoor rowing is a fun, participation event, open to all of the young people).
The project will be managed by a special group comprising experts in physical education and international relations, the council’s sport and leisure service, emergency services and Durham University.
Partner regions which have confirmed their attendance are: Amman; Jordan; Banska Bystrica, Slovakia; Chittagong, Bangladesh; County Durham, UK; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Hungary; Kostroma, Russia; Kreis Wesel, Germany; Provincia di Asti, Italy; Somme, France; Tuebingen, Germany.
Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “The International Youth Games is such an exciting opportunity for hundreds of youngsters from all over the world to feel part of the Olympic moment right here in County Durham.
“I am immensely proud of the sporting achievements and excellent values these young people show as they push themselves to achieve their goals.
“I hope they feel inspired by the youth games to continue their progress and hold the Olympic values close to them in all they do.”
■ Pictured
Back row (L-R) Eleanor Daglish, Jordan Wragg, Emma Bramley, Mason Jacques
Middle Row (L-R) Abbie Clamp, Niamh Nelson, Ashlyn Bland, Rosie Lindsay, Sam Griffin, Adam Charlton
David Thompson at the front