Kent’s very own Olympics - the Kent School Games

Heats and area competitions in the Kent School Games are under way with 400 schools having taken part so far.

The Games, launched by Kent County Council, aim to promote competitive sport, engage children in physical activity and encouraging young people to get involved in their own Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Kent School Games were launched in 27 November 2007 at Astor of Hever Community School, Maidstone, by Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council and Danny Crates, the Paralympic athlete. The launch involved 400 young people in a mass warm up.

The entire competition includes 14 different sports and a further nine sports for children with a disability. For a list of all the sports in the Kent School Games please follow this link. Over the course of the competition 30,000 children are expected to take part and all will be presented with certificates. The finals will be taking place in June and July.

The Kent School Games mirror the Olympic and Paralympic Games with an opening ceremony and the presentation of medals. The competition embraces some of the Olympic and Paralympic values which include personal excellence, inspiration and fair play.

The Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter said:

'The whole aim is to promote competitive sport in schools and to involve as many young people as possible.

I am delighted that the games have generated so much enthusiasm for school sport. They will learn the values of the Olympics, such as the pursuit of personal excellence and fair play, which are indispensable to everyday life and I hope that the event will encourage a love of sport for generations to come.'

Check these web pages frequently for news of the Games