Youth Games challenge: try a new sport challenge

Years 5 and 6 pupils can represent their district in one of 17 sports, but the Guernsey Sports Commission, which organises the event, wants them to try a sport they do not usually take part in so they are all beginners together.

‘The Youth Games is an opportunity for young people to take part in a large-scale and exciting event,’ said co-ordinator Andrea Lord.

‘It will encourage them to establish new friendships, build their confidence and improve social and life skills while getting free access to a new sport.’

New sports offered this year include judo, petanque and softball.

Since the first Games in 2005, more than 3,000 children have taken part in the biennial event with the continued support of Specsavers.

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins said: ‘The atmosphere two years ago was electric and the smiles on the children’s faces made me realise what this event is all about – encouraging and nurturing sport among our young people, building their confidence, having fun and a chance for them to make new friends.’

Each team within a sport is assigned a coach who is responsible for that particular group of children throughout training and on Games day.

Ten-year-old Molly Watson thought the Games sounded exciting because she wanted to try a new sport.

‘I like that three sports are just for girls because boys always get the chance to play [football, contact rugby and cricket] so it’s better we can just play against girls,’ she said.

George Simpson, also 10, said: ‘Playing sport and being active is important so I’m really looking forward to the final competition.’

Daisy Rowe, 11, takes part in sport in school but is not part of any clubs outside school.

‘I’m excited to try a new sport like badminton because you never know how much you enjoy something until you try it,’ she said.

Community links are a key aspect of the Games, so a deputy from the district will be the team leader in each of the six districts.

Deputies Heidi Soulsby, Michelle Le Clerc and Jennifer Merrett are team leaders for their respective districts along with deputies Chris Green, Matt Fallaize and Emilie Yerby.

Deputy Merrett said the influx of students wanting to take part in sports such as basketball after the last Games was really encouraging and demonstrated the power of community sporting events for young people.

Deputy Le Clerc added: ‘St Peter Port won the fair play award two years ago and that is exactly what I hope to see again; children enjoying themselves, learning new skills and playing in good spirits.’

The aim is to promote the value of sport to young people, with the emphasis on fun and fair play. In order to learn as much as possible about each sport, coaching sessions will take place in the six weeks before the games themselves.

Deputy Soulsby said: ‘Good natured and well-spirited sport is a good lesson for children to learn.

‘If the Games sparks an interest in a new activity, it’s doing exactly what we want to encourage in young people.’

. Games day is Saturday 15 June and it will finish with a parade and awards presentation at Footes Lane.

. For more information, contact the Guernsey Sports Commission on 747229.