Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Partnership Youth Games Inspires Olympic Hopefuls
The young starlets, who represented their local authority teams braved Saturday's early showers to provide a fantastic sporting spectacle and as the sun began to shine the competition heated up.
Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT) sports manager Jane Kracke commented, "It was a wonderful day. All the hard work in putting the games together paid off. Thanks to all those who made the games happen, but a special thank you to all the competitors. We had some very high quality performances from our young athletes in all the sports competitions - I wouldn't be surprised if there was a future Olympian amongst them."
The day which was formally opened by The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Derek Capey, started with an energetic display from dancers Signal 1 Hotshots who gave the audience of over 800 people an exhilarating hip hop and street dance demonstration. The competition then got under way, with athletes competing in girls' football, girls' cricket, tag rugby, table tennis, tennis and triathlon; in line with the Olympic spirit there was a demonstration of badminton and there were also taster sessions for those who wanted to try their hand at basketball and canoeing.
SASSOT's director, Mark Thornewill was pleased with the success of the day adding "The event is a key element of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent London 2012 Legacy Action Plan as we seek to build a lasting benefit for sport across the sub region. We are grateful to Fenton Manor and Roe Lane for providing their excellent facilities in support of the event. Thanks also to Mark Harrod Ltd and Highland Spring who donated sports equipment and water for the day - it was a tremendous occasion with great support."
GB basketball star and former Stoke resident, Jo Sarjant was in attendance for the day as a Sporting Champion ambassador, giving a rousing speech during the opening ceremony to encourage the athletes to pursue their sporting dreams. Speaking to the assembled teams of athletes, Jo said "I used to dream of collecting a medal on a podium at a big event. By working hard and staying focused I achieved it by winning a Commonwealth bronze in Melbourne in 2006 - if I can do it anyone can".
For more photo's of the day's activities and for more details on the games and SASSOT please visit www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk or contact Naomi Bird on 01785 619585.
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