Final preparations underway for Specsavers Youth Games 2023

Saturday is Games Day when more than 700 children take part in 23 different sporting competitions as part of the 10^th Specsavers Youth Games.

‘The children have been training really hard over the past couple of months to learn the rules and tactics of their new sports and get ready for the final fun competition on Games Day when they will be representing one of six different teams named after six of the islands competing in this summer’s home NatWest International Island Games,’ said Nicky Will from the Guernsey Sports Commission who has been coordinating the Games.

‘It’s fantastic to have so many different sports involved this year – we have three more than last year and five more than in 2019, so the children really have been spoilt for choice. Our new sports of Gymnastics, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Padel Tennis, Skateboarding, Boxing and Bowls have proved really popular, but all sports taking part in the Games are pretty much at capacity,’ she said.

‘We are also delighted to welcome children from St Anne’s School in Alderney who will be taking part in the Youth Games for the first time this year.’

The Specsavers Youth Games is all about giving pupils in Years 5 and 6 the chance to try a new sport, have fun and make new friends as they compete on behalf of their allocated teams rather than their schools.

The children have access to up to 6 hours of coaching in their allocated sport in the run up to Games Day to prepare themselves for the final competitions.

‘Some will be competing as individuals and others as part of a team, but the main aim of the Games is to promote the value of sport to young people with the emphasis on fun and fair play,’ said Nicky.

Games Day culminates in a special Closing Ceremony at Footes Lane when the overall winning team is announced and the Fair Play trophy awarded to the team who wins the most nominations from the individual sports.

‘We couldn’t do this without the amazing support from our member sports and their coaches and volunteers who go out of their way to make sure the children have a great time as well as learning new skills,’ said Nicky.

‘But really the event only happens because of the continued support from our fantastic sponsors Specsavers. Not only do they give us amazing financial support, but their staff help out with all the organising and logistics before the event itself and volunteer on Games Day to be part of the team making sure the children are safe and entertained ahead of the Closing Ceremony.

‘Since the first Games in 2005, the event has hosted well over 4,500 children with another 700 plus this year and fortunately Specsavers has been happy to carry on supporting us to make this biennial event an unforgettable day in the island’s sporting calendar,’ said Nicky.

‘Specsavers is proud to continue our support with the Youth Games and be part of such a wonderful event for the children of Guernsey,’ said Specsavers co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins.

‘The camaraderie, friendly competition and high spirits of all involved is always such a joy to witness, and I am looking forward to being there once again this weekend.’

The Specsavers Youth Games marks the start of what looks set to be a bumper summer of sport.

‘It’s even more special to be holding the Youth Games just a matter of weeks before Guernsey plays host to thousands of athletes from 24 member islands participating in 14 different sports in the NatWest International Island Games,’ said Nicky.

‘The official Games mascot Jet the Puffin will be joining us for the Closing Ceremony parade and we are delighted that some of the Games volunteers will be acting as our team leaders on the day.

‘We hope that both events will help inspire children to take up and enjoy sport and showcase just how much Guernsey has to offer.’

Games Day competitions times and venues

NB start and finish times may vary slightly on the day