More sports on offer as Games get bigger

2014 Kent School Games will provide the county’s school children with their chance to try something new this year with more than 35 different sports on offer. The 35 key sporting events embraced by the Kent School Games include athletics, cycling, football, tennis, badminton, basketball, boxing, beach volleyball, hockey, Kwik cricket, new age kurling, panathlon, rowing and rugby. The Games, organised by KCC’s Sport and Physical Activity Service with the support of Sainsbury’s, are open to all age groups, abilities and disabilities. Danny Crates (pictured), Paralympian gold medallist and 800m world record holder, launched the Games before Christmas. He said: “Before I became a Paralympian and world record holder, I too was just a regular schoolboy. “It’s all about being bold enough to take that first step on to the race track at school or join your school sports team for the first time. The key thing is to go for it!” The unique three levels of the Games make it especially easy for children to get involved as Kent School Games participants can first grow their confidence within school. The best competitors from each school then progress to one of 16 regional School Games Areas’ competitions or regional events, while the winners of each region will then move to the Kent School Games finals in July 2014. Medallists who took part in the first final of the Kent School Games 2014 (the team table tennis) enjoyed the experience. Gold medallist Charleen Cairns, from Highworth Grammar School in Ashford, said: “It felt good to have won gold and we were happy and proud to represent our school in the Kent School Games.” Luke Savill, from Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone, added: “I first started playing table tennis aged eight and this year made it to the Under-15 European Championships. Kent School Games is brilliant and helps you develop both physically and socially.” Tom Windram, from Dartford Grammar School, said: “I’ve competed in all four Kent School Games and it’s grown into a big competition. Table tennis has been fantastic for me.” Kent School Games 2014 will culminate in an exhibition and competitive showcase on June 25, as part of a 20-day finals programme at top sporting venues. Stephanie Holt, head of culture & sport for KCC, said: “The Kent School Games are for many girls and boys their first opportunity to experience a competitive arena at a county level. It’s creating a countywide fast track for young people to compete throughout their primary and secondary school education and move on to top level adult competition, should they wish.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED If you want to get your school participating in the Kent School Games 2014, contact your games organiser on kentsport. org/SchoolGamesOrganisers or visit www.kentschoolgames.com Follow on Twitter @ KentSchoolGames and at www. facebook/kentschoolgames.