Over 1000 young people representing Suffolk's sporting future converged on Bury St Edmunds on Sunday for the seventh staging of the Suffolk Youth Games.  The competition in all ten sports was keen with standards of performance the best to date.  This was ably demonstrated to all in particular in the last event of the day, the Tag Rugby final, which went to extra time.  Mid Suffolk emerged as worthy winners by the narrowest of margins over a gallant Forest Heath side.  The big crowd, which had assembled were entertained by a thrilling spectacle where the level of skill, commitment and fair play was an example for all.

 

Honorary Games Patron, David Sheepshanks, Chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club, at the Opening Ceremony, set the tone for what was to prove a memorable day's sport with an emphasis on everyone giving of their best in a fair and sporting way.

 

Waveney won the overall Team award for the second consecutive year with Ipswich and Mid Suffolk in second and third places respectively.  Success was shared across all seven districts taking part.  

 

Joint Games hosts St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Abbeycroft Leisure and King Edward School laid on an excellent range of facilities which not only catered for the main competitive sports but also provided for a range of demonstration sports and entertainment.  Sporting Champion, Jayant Mistry, taking time out from his worldwide schedule, was a big hit with both participants and spectators.  The 2005 Wimbledon Wheelchair Tennis Champion took part in a demonstration with some of the competitors to the enjoyment of all present.

 

All the people who contributed to the success of the day must be congratulated.  The numerous volunteers were brilliant both in running the sports events and with the general organisation.  Among these were a number of student volunteers from King Edward School who were getting their first taste of volunteering at a major event.  Their commitment and enthusiasm added greatly to the occasion.

 

The Youth Games programme is designed to get more young people taking part regularly in club sport.  In the weeks leading in to the Games, recruitment and coaching programmes were run by local clubs and coaches linking to nearby schools.  Local management across the range of sports and with respect to logistical arrangements was provided by the respective local authority Sports Development Officers.  This led to a team approach within each local community.

 

Everyone is eagerly awaiting details of next year's event.