The South West’s network of Rotary Clubs has been announced as the headline sponsors of the Olympic-style ‘Devon Youth Games’.

Teignbridge District Council and Torbay Council are delighted to reveal the Rotary in the South West Peninsula is the key sponsors for the Games which will see more than 1,000 young people from all over Devon compete in a variety of sports.

Team selection trials have been taking place in a number of different locations across a wide remit of sports throughout May and June to give young people a sporting chance of being part of their local authority’s team on ‘Games day’ which this year is on Sunday 12 July at Paignton Academy, Torbay Velopark, Torbay Leisure Centre and Parkfield.

Devon Youth Games, previously Devon Games to Inspire, brings young people together in a fun-packed day of sporting action. It’s for those aged 8 -16yrs, and a number of young sports leaders, clubs, national governing bodies and volunteers run the events.

Participants get involved by going for trials in their chosen sport and if they are selected, compete as part of a team from their local authority area. The teams compete for the overall Devon Youth Games crown and a fair play trophy. Those taking part will get free transport, a free t-shirt and the chance to win medals for Teignbridge – not to mention a great day out!

Rotary in the South West Peninsula of England comprises of 89 clubs with over 2,600 members under the leadership of District Governor Brian Stoyel.

The clubs are based in local communities where members meet on a regular basis to enjoy friendship, networking and to plan projects that will help improve the lives of people in communities both at home and abroad.

Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “I would like to thank the South West’s network of Rotary Clubs for headline sponsoring one of our calendar highlights for youth sports. This event is so worthy of great support as it brings young people together in the spirit of competition, fair play and friendship, and really does create a great atmosphere for participants and spectators.

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

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesman for Recreation and Leisure said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Rotary in the South West Peninsula on board for this year’s Devon Youth Games. Rotary clubs are well known for their community-minded commitment and support and we are sure this partnership will be of great benefit to all.

“Teignbridge and Torbay Council officers, alongside their counterparts from other Devon authorities, are now working hard behind the scenes encouraging young people to take part and the trials so far have been a great success. We can’t wait for the big day and hope that family, friends and sports supporters come along and cheer on the teams.”

District Governor Brian Stoyel said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Devon Youth Games 2015. Rotary in the South West Peninsula already supports many youth programmes interacting with schools and colleges and the Games would seem another adjunct of our connection, forging stronger links with the younger members of society and their community, parents, teachers and carers.

“Our support need not be just financial as it is envisaged our members within the family of Rotary, Interact, Rotaract, Inner Wheel will be volunteers aiding the organisation towards a successful day.

“We wish Teignbridge and Torbay every success for 2015 and look for even better links in 2016 throughout our region here in the South West.”

ENDS

Contact Nikki Taylor, Active Leisure Development Officer on 01626 215611 or nikki.taylor@teignbridge.gov.uk. Visit www.teignbridge.gov.uk/dyg for more details.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Devon Youth Games
This event has been one that has been going for 15 years in Devon. In recent years it’s been known as Devon Games To Inspire. The Lottery funding for that ended in 2013 and Teignbridge and Torbay teamed up to keep the annual event going.
The vision is to establish 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.

Event partners are:
Teignbridge District Council
Torbay Council
Paignton Community & Sports Academy
Herald Express
Pro Direct
Gareth Thomas Trophies

Sponsors for sports Include:
Athletics – Bishop Fleming Accountancy
Hockey – Newton Abbot Rotary Club
Rugby – Rugby World Cup Legacy & Exeter City Council
Triathlon – Robert Loxton Accountancy & Robert Excell Photography
Boccia – Active Devon
Pan Disability Football – Active Devon

Area team sponsors confirmed are:
Teignbridge– University of St Mark & St John
Torbay– Francis Clark
Plymouth– DML Devonport Dockyard
Exeter– St Lukes School Sports Partnership
Mid Devon District Council – Mid Devon Leisure Centres
East Devon District Council – Leisure East Devon
West Devon District Council – OCRA
South Hams District Council – Tone Leisure

About Rotary:
There are over 50,000 Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland in over 1,800 clubs, helping those in need and working towards world understanding and peace. Rotary is an organisation for both men and women.

Rotary International is the world's largest service organisation, with some 1,240,000 members operating in 166 countries worldwide.