The UK School Games is a multi-sport event for the most talented young people in the country of school age. Responsibility for the development and organisation of the UK School Games lies with the Youth Sport Trust.
The current list of sports that young athletes compete in are:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Judo
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Track Cycling (Just for 2009)
- Volleyball
Each of the ten sports are combined into a five-day Games environment designed to replicate the feel of major event such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The aim is for the Games to grow and become a crucial part of the development as a talented sports performer.
The UK School Games will seek to create an inspirational and motivational setting which will encourage more young people to take part in sport.
Six key themes have been created to ensure the UK School Games bring about systematic change in the way in which competitive opportunities are developed for young people and that a lasting legacy is created.
The UK School Games visions are:
- Ongoing planning and delivery of a UK level sports event showcasing talented young sports people.
- To bring about a step change in the content, structure and presentation of competitive sporting opportunities for young people.
- Use the event itself, and themed branding of local and regional competitions, to raise the profile of school age competitions and the young people taking part, to promote the work undertaken in each nation to improve P.E. and school sport.
- Integrate Olympic and Paralympic themes into the UK School Games by ensuring that the Olympic and Paralympic values are promoted through volunteer training, opening and closing ceremonies and an athlete village.
- Create opportunities for young people to become engaged in volunteering at major sports events both as technical officials and event volunteers.
- Ensure the event advocates and demonstrates the highest level of child protection and welfare systems.
The Government have announced that the UKSGs in the years to come will be in the following cities:
- 3rd - 7th September 2009 - South Wales (Cardiff, Swansea and Newport)
- 2nd - 5th September 2010 - Tyne and Wear (Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland)
- 1st - 4th September - Sheffield
For more information on the UK School Games please go to www.ukschoolgames.com
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