Kent Teams Celebrate Sporting Success

Over 400 young sportspeople competed at the 2007 Kent Youth Disability Games yesterday (Wednesday 27 June) where TV presenter and Paralympic athlete Ade Adepitan and record-breaking sailor Hilary Lister presented the winners with their medals and trophies.

Video clip from Youth Games:

Organised by Kent County Council's Sports Development Unit, the event involved competitors from 21 special or disability-designated schools around Kent took part in 7 competitive sports which included cycling, football, archery, boccia (similar to bowls), New Age Kurling (played on a court surface), swimming and athletics. They were also able to try out sitting volleyball and judo as demonstration activities at Sevenoaks School’s sports complex.

Members of the Byrne family also attended the Games as the competition remains the Jack Byrne Memorial Games. Jack died in 2005 and worked for many years developing disability sport in Kent and made a huge impact on the lives of the young people he worked with. This year marked the first time the Jack Byrne Memorial Prize for Achievements was awarded and the 2007 recipient was Leo Wellington from Christchurch School, Ashford.

KCC Cabinet Member for Community Services Mike Hill said:
“Through our sports development unit, we have been working hard to raise the profile of disability sport and these Games really highlight how seriously schools are taking sport and physical activity. With improved facilities in local communities, everyone should have an opportunity to take part in the sports they enjoy.”

Ade Adepitan added:
“I have been really impressed by the standard of everyone taking part today and feel privileged that I could lend my support to the competitors. This is a great event for highlighting how disability sport is recognised and championed in Kent and congratulations to all the winners."

Photographs attached show Hilary Lister, Ryan Dinham and Ade Adepitan with the 400 competitors with the teachers and supporters. Also the first recipient of the first Jack Byrne Memorial Prize Leo Wellington with members of the Byrne family and Ade Adepitan.