‘Urban Games’ prove showcase for borough's active youth

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Britain's sprint champion Tyrone Swaray fuels childrens' dreams of sporting success

Young people from across the borough were encouraged to get active and participate in a variety of sports activities at this year’s ‘Urban Games’ held over last weekend.

The CIP Sports Development team in Hounslow hosted the third annual ‘Urban Games’ for children aged between 8 to 15 years. The sports on offer this year included: athletics, Rugby Union and Rugby League, BMX racing, canoeing, hockey, netball, swimming, basketball, tennis, football, skateboarding and cycle skills.

It was heartening to see over 250 young people taking part in the action. As well as showing off their talents the event encouraged self motivation, general fitness and an increased willingness to participate in sporting activities outside of school hours. It also gave many of the young people attending an opportunity to meet and mingle with people from other areas across the borough.

Jo Valks, CIP’s Community Sports Development Manager said “The day was a great success. The highlight of the day was the visit from ‘Sporting Champion’ GB 60m and 100m sprint champion, Tyrone Swaray. The visit was organised and funded by Sport England as part of their ‘Sporting Champions’ initiative.”

“Tyrone spent the afternoon mixing with all the participants, having a go at all the sports, signing hundreds of autographs and pulling out the winning names in our prize draw. We were delighted to have Tyrone visit our event. Many of our participants have dreams of becoming a successful athlete and by meeting Tyrone, it has fuelled their determination to succeed in sport.”

Local sports clubs gave coaching sessions and further information on how, where and when youngsters can continue participating in their favourite sports. Clubs involved included Grasshoppers Rugby and Netball Club, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Harlequins Rugby League, Thistleworth Tennis Club, Feltham Coolhoops Basketball Club, Hayes BMX Club, Chiswick Pier Canoe Club and Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow Athletics Club.

October 12, 2006