Stars in the making at Mini Games South

Young stars from across the country joined together over the weekend to showcase their sporting talents. Over 70 disabled children competed at the Mini Games South event held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Disability Sport Events (DSE) ran the event, which was supported by Unite Foundation.

The Mini Games programme provides 6-12 year olds with opportunities to experience different sports. Children can enter as individuals or part of teams from various schools. The hope is that more disabled champions can be discovered and take up a sport of their choice, at a level of their choice.

Sports included boccia, swimming, rugby, track and field events. For many children the Mini Games is the first weekend away in a sporting environment. Therefore, the event provides a platform for interaction with other children in sport.

Ian Seabrook, Stoke Mandeville Stadium’s Business Development Manager commented, “We are thrilled to have been involved with such a worthwhile and fun event. It was so inspiring to see so many young confident young children not held back by their disabilities but instead motivated to try out as many different sports as possible – it’s inspirational. These are our paralympians of the future and for Stoke Mandeville Stadium to be involved in this process highlights the reputation of the venue and our dedication to supporting such important events.”

Nationwide Junior Sports Awards were awarded during the weekend. An outstanding girl and boy, plus a winning team were given trophies and will receive a bursary at the end of the year. The lucky winners were:
Top Boy: Torin van Breda – Victoria Education Centre
Top Girl: Jessica Fletcher – Thomas Wolsey School
Team Trophy: Wilson Stuart

The Mini Games North event later this month is being held at Leigh Sports Village and also sponsored by Unite Foundation- the charitable arm of Unite the Union. The Foundation has funded the Mini Games programme since 2006 and will enjoy being a partner until 2012.

DSE is the events division of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) - the umbrella body for sport and physical activity for disabled people in England. The division’s work means more disabled people can access competitive sport from playground to the medal podium, whether they have potential elite talent or just wish to be active.

For more information about the Mini Games North, call 0161 953 2499. Further information about DSE and full results from the event will be available at www.disabilitysport.org.uk