Schools Compete for Sporting Glory in Devon

Young people from Devon are getting the opportunity to show off their sporting talents this Friday 28 June 2013 as they compete in a Sainsbury’s School Games Festival.

Future sporting stars could be unearthed at the event at Exeter as young people compete across a range of sports including Rounders, Aquathlon, Athletics, Golf, Indoor Rowing, Mini Tennis and Orienteering.

Rebecca Skinner, School Games Organiser for the St Luke’s School Sport Partnership said:

“We are really excited to be hosting the Sainsbury’s Summer School Games in Exeter, and are delighted that one of Devon’s 2012 Olympians; Pistol Shooter Georgina Geikie is coming along to inspire the participants on the day.

As well as the participants, the event is also being supported by lots of volunteers of all ages, and without them the Games could not happen.

This event is the third of five major multi sport festivals being held in Devon in 2013 for young people, and thanks should be given to everyone including all the coaches, teachers, support workers, organisers, and sports governing bodies, Active Devon and others who make these events such a success and fun for all.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games is set across four levels and is backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England. It is fully inclusive and will increase the opportunities for young people to take part in sport across the school year.

Devon’s School Games Festivals use the inspiration of London’s Olympics and Paralympics to transform competitive sport in schools and get more young people playing sport.

Mike Diaper, Sport England’s Director of Community Sport, said:

“As we build on the success of last summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Festivals are giving the next generation the opportunity to compete against one another in a fun environment. The Sainsbury’s School Games is helping tens of thousands of young people to discover and take part in new sports.”

John Steele, Chief Executive Officer at the Youth Sport Trust, said:

“The Sainsbury’s School Games Festivals provide an excellent opportunity for thousands of young people from across the country to celebrate and compete in school sport. Following London 2012 there has never been a better time to inspire young people through sport and these Festivals will do just that.”

Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:

“We want young people to get involved in sport, and develop a sporting habit for life. The Sainsbury's School Games is playing its part in encouraging more competitive sport in schools. Good luck to all those taking part in the 2013 competition.”

Tara Hicks, Sainsbury’s Head of Sponsorship added:

“Following the success of the 2012 Sainsbury’s School Games at the Olympic Park, we are thrilled to be supporting our next generation of athletes at this year’s summer festivals. The festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to encourage even more young people to enjoy the benefits and challenges of competitive sport.”

The festival taking place in Devon is one of more than 60 regional Sainsbury’s School Games festivals that are taking place across the country this summer that are encouraging more young people to participate in competitive school sport.

The Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games is supported by a range of partners including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Department of Health and British Paralympic Association.

For further information about how schools can become involved in the School Games go to www.yourschoolgames.com