Two councils have stepped in to ensure the future of an Olympic-style event for Devon and now the search is on for people to get involved.

Board members are being sought to drive forward the annual Devon Youth Games, an event which will see more than 800 young people aged between 8 and 16 compete in a variety of sports. It will take place on Sunday 12 July 2015 at Paignton Community & Sports Academy, Torbay Velopark, Torbay Leisure Centre and Parkfield.

This event has been has been going for 15 years in Devon and in recent years has been known as Devon Games To Inspire. The Lottery funding for it ended last year and Torbay Council and Teignbridge District Councils have stepped in to ensure it continues in the future.

Torbay and Teignbridge have teamed up to keep the annual event going and are looking at ways of running it in the future. The vision is to establish a board of trustees who will develop a charitable incorporated organisation or charity, which will deliver the Games for years to come through sponsorship, fund-raising and support from partner authorities.

Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sport, Councillor Robert Excell, said: “We are looking forward to hosting this event where young people come together in the spirit of competition, fair play and friendship.

“This event really does create a great atmosphere for those participating and for spectators. We will give everyone a warm Torbay welcome and show why we are a great location to hold such events.

“Combining a fun event with healthy competition can really inspire children and young people to take up regular sporting activities, which can help them lead healthier lives.

“I have always believed sport is a way of enhancing lives but I am particularly keen on getting young people to commit to a sport which will carry on through to adulthood.”

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s executive spokesman for communities, recreation and leisure, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with our partners at Torbay Council to put on this event which recognises the role our youngsters play in ensuring sport flourishes, they feel the benefits from being active and get lots of opportunities to improve or set personal goals in their chosen sport.

“We’re appealing for people with a passion for sport or an enthusiasm for helping young people develop their skills to come forward and register their interest in what we are all trying to achieve.

“If you are interested in the Games or would like to discuss further opportunities to get involved in the largest sporting event in Devon please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

All positions are voluntary. Expressions of interest are being invited now and the closing date is 31 May. People can apply by visiting the website www.teignbridge.gov.uk /dyg

Ahead of Games day, trials are held in each area of Devon throughout May and June and are an opportunity for children and young people to represent their district. Events include hockey, netball, gymnastics, rugby, triathlon, badminton, girls football and pan-disability football plus many more.

Visit http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/dyg for more information.

The Devon Youth Games is on twitter and google+
Devon Youth Games @Games_devon

ENDS