Hampshire Youth and Parallel Games
This week sees young people from the Winchester district competing in the Hampshire Youth Games and the Hampshire Parallel Games, both being held at Aldershot Military Garrison.
The parallel games are a dedicated event for young people with learning and physical disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to get involved and compete in a number of sports.
Hampshire Youth Games
Saturday 19 June will see over 120 young people representing the Winchester district at the Hampshire Youth Games, a multi-sport event designed to encourage young people of secondary school age to participate in sport and competition.
Thirteen districts from across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight will be entering teams in up to 11 sports, with over 2000 young people taking part in the event. The sports included are Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Girls Football, Hockey, Netball, Tag Rugby, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis and Squash
The Winchester district will be represented in 8 out of the 10 sports, with teams coming from a mixture of schools, clubs and community coaching schemes.
Partners Against Railway Crime are the youth games title sponsors and Margaret Barker of Network Rail said it is criminal and dangerous to trespass and vandalise the railways.
"Our message to young people is to stay away from the railway tracks and stay alive. The games are a wonderful opportunity to put this message across in a positive way, encourage responsible behaviour and reduce the threat of accidents to children and young people," she added.
Louise Rowland, Winchester City Council's Sports Development Officer, said the youth games are a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people into sport.
"All teams have been provided with coaching prior to the games and with the support of local clubs and schools have excellent opportunities after the games. The council wish all teams well who are representing the District," she said.
Visitors are welcome to attend and support the teams, with plenty of entertainment for non-participants and families including Human Table Football, Army Assault Course, Agility Challenge and face painting. Sports competition will start at 10am with a closing ceremony at 4.30pm.
Hampshire Parallel Games
On Friday 18 June the Winchester district will compete at the 2nd Hampshire Parallel Games, represented by Kings PD Department and Osbourne School, with teams competing in Boccia, Basketball Skills, Football Skills and Football 6-a-side.
Louise Rowland said that Osbourne and Kings Schools were involved in the inaugural event last year and had a fantastic day and she hoped that this year’s event will be as enjoyable.
Visitors are welcome to support the teams with plenty of entertainment for non-participants and families. Sports competition will start at 11am with a closing ceremony at 2.30pm.