Sporting youngsters go for gold at youth games.
What a grand day of sport! The ninth annual West Yorkshire Youth Games saw more than 800 children representing the region’s five local authorities competing in one of the most impressive fixtures in the county’s sporting calendar.The Games got off to a flying start with a spectacular opening ceremony introduced by netball Sporting Champion Tracy Neville at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Carnegie campus. All the children paraded round the track and took part in a coordinated warm-up led by Errol Barrows – Senior Physical Development Officer from Kirklees.
What followed was a full day of sporting competition, across 9 sporting disciplines.
Bradford came top in the Boccia and the Gymnastics Disability categories.
Calderdale took the honours in the Gymnastics yr5/6 and the Table Tennis u12s
Kirklees showed their prowess in the Rugby League boys category, the Netball u15s and Gymnastics yr 3/4.
Leeds scooped winners trophies in rugby league girls, tennis cricket and table tennis.
Wakefield showed their mettle in New Age Kurling and Gymnastics Key Stage 3.
The Fair Play category in the sports showed all the teams were playing the game with the right attitude and both competitors and spectators enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy a great day's sport.
The journey to the games began six months ago in schools across Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, when the competition was open to all children in West Yorkshire aged between six and 16.
Amongst the guests of honour were the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Jean Calvert and the Deputy Mayor Elect of Calderdale Cllr Mrs Geraldine Carter. Nigel Harrison, Director of West Yorkshire Sport said: “This year's event has proved hugely popular and the addition of an opening ceremony really helped everyone get into the spirit of the games. The level of competition was as high as ever and the standard of play was outstanding. West Yorkshire boasts some great up and coming young sportspeople and, who knows how far these children will take their talents”
Nigel continued: “This event has been a great opportunity for youngsters to taste the atmosphere of a large competition, and for some this will have been their first chance to represent their District. The ethos of the Games is to make sport and competition fun and accessible to as many people as possible and this year's event has undoubtedly fulfilled that.”
The children were also cheered on and encouraged by England Netball player Tracy Neville, who attended the weekend’s events courtesy of Sport England’s Sporting Champions scheme. Tracy was pleased to lend her support to an event which promotes and encourages grass roots sport and spent time sharing her experiences and successes with the competitors and their families.
Visitors were also treated to a spectacular display by Wakefield Gym Club at the closing presentations in the gymnastics hall.
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Results |
1st |
2nd |
Fair Play |
|
Rugby League Boys |
Kirklees |
Leeds |
Bradford |
|
Rugby League Girls |
Leeds |
Wakefield |
Kirklees |
|
Boccia |
Bradford |
Wakefield |
Leeds |
|
New Agre Kurling |
Wakefield B |
Bradford A |
Leeds |
|
Netball U15's |
Kirklees 1 |
Leeds 1 |
Wakefield |
|
Netball U13's |
Bradford 1 |
calderdale 2 |
kirklees |
|
Tennis Yr 4 |
Leeds Gr2 |
Leeds Gr1 |
Leeds |
|
Tennis Yr 5 |
Leeds Gr |
leeds |
Kirklees |
|
Cricket |
Leeds |
Wakefield |
Bradford |
|
Gymnastics Disability |
Bradford |
Wakefield | |
|
Gymnastics KS3 |
Wakefield |
Leeds |
Kirklees |
|
Gymnastics yr 5/6 |
Calderdale |
Kirklees |
leeds |
|
Gymnastics yr3/4 |
Kirklees |
Leeds |
Bradford |
|
Table Tennis U14's |
Leeds A |
Wakefield A | |
|
Table tennis U12's |
Calderdale |
Leeds A | |
|
|