Children shine at School Games despite icy conditions

Over a thousand young people from across Devon braved freezing conditions to shine at this week’s Devon Winter School Games, part of the national Sainsbury’s School Games, held at the University of Exeter at St Luke’s Science and Sports College.

Nine different sports were on offer, with the only casualty of the poor weather conditions being the cycling competition, cancelled due to a flooded course. The children bravely battled through the flurries of snow to compete in football, hockey and rugby. Those competing at netball were luckier, taking advantage of the new covered courts.

Participants representing a number of School Games areas – East Devon, St Luke’s, Plymouth and Dartmoor School Sports Partnerships, West Devon and Torbay Sport Partnership also took the opportunity to try some of the many taster sessions on offer including stunt cycling, fencing, tennis and golf.

Inspiration on the day came on the form of London 2012 Team GB Sprinter Daniel Talbot. Daniel spent the day at the games, not only opening proceedings, but also staying to talk to the children and watch the competitions. Daniel said it was “a great day despite the cold conditions”.

The event also offered County Sport Partnership Active Devon the opportunity to engage nearly 100 young volunteers who officiated, coached and provided event support on the day.

The national Sainsbury’s School Games programme is in its second year of a three year programme and the Devon Local Organising Committee has already held three events involving over 2000 children of varying abilities in the County this year, with more planned later in the year. Results of the days competitions are available from www.activedevon.org/DWSG2013.