Witney News - Awards for West Oxfordshire youth champions

Awards for West Oxfordshire youth champions

Young athletes from West Oxfordshire are this week celebrating their success following the Oxfordshire Youth Games held in Radley College, Abingdon at the weekend.

Over 170 young people represented the District in nine different sporting activities and their impressive performances resulted in winning five medals.

First prize medals were achieved for squash and badminton; second prize awards for mixed football and tag rugby and third for girls hockey.

Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure said, "This is a fantastic event which each year is going from strength to strength. Congratulations go to the West Oxfordshire teams' wonderful achievements - it was really heart-warming at the end to see them awarded their medals proudly wearing their blue Oxfordshire Youth Games shirts. All the West Oxfordshire team members regardless of their positions put their all into their sports. These youngsters are real role models for their peers."

Reflecting on an excellent day, one of the West Oxfordshire Badminton team players was heard to say, "It was great fun. As well as playing Badminton, I had a go on the Climbing Wall and watched the trampolining. How do I get into the Olympics?"

In the months leading up to the Games, trials and tournaments were organised by the District Council to select squads. They received additional coaching and development through school and club links, with an aim of increasing skill levels and getting young people enjoying sport. Over 650 children were involved in this process as part of the Council's 5 for Life campaign, which aims to help everyone achieve the benefits of 30 minutes physical activity 5 times a week.