Challenging times at games

The first Kent Challenger Games will take place tomorrow (Friday).

The event at the Julie Rose Stadium has been designed to help young people dealing with the pressures of daily life.

The games will also work with military veterans to bring communities together.

Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Winston Michael, who is chairman of the Kent Challenger Games, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the smile on children’s faces who have never had an opportunity to do anything like this and compete alongside servicemen.”

Inspiration for the event came from the Paralympics and Invictus Games and it is expected about 500 children from schools around Ashford will take part.

School teams will comprise of 10 pupils, each with disabilities in the wider sense including lack of participation in sports, and those who are socially adrift and disengaged.

Amputee and disabled military veterans will act as their champions.

Teams will be marked on effort, team work, and participation.

The games have also secured £5,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

A picture special and full write up from the event will feature in next week’s paper.