Specsavers Youth Games to return

PLANNING is underway for next year’s Specsavers Youth Games giving hundreds of children the opportunity to try a new sport.

The biennial event, which is now in its ninth year, is jointly hosted by the Guernsey Sports Commission and Specsavers and saw more than 550 kids take part last year making it one of the most successful years to date.

With the postponement of the 2021 Island Games, Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, hoped that the event would continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.

‘We are delighted to be able to continue our support of the Specsavers Youth Games,’ she said. ‘The atmosphere at the games is always electric and the smiles on the children’s faces remind me what this event is all about – encouraging and nurturing sport among our young people in Guernsey, building their confidence, having fun and giving them a chance to make new friends.’

The games are open to any child in school years 5 or 6 and participants represent the district in which they live. Everyone who takes part receives a medal and a t-shirt.

Information will be sent out to all schools early in the new year, including the sports on offer and the training available in the run up to the games.

Jenny Murphy, Sports Development Officer for the Guernsey Sports Commission, said: ‘The Youth Games are a great way for children to try a new sport, build up skills and understanding through dedicated coaching sessions and then put these to the test on games day

‘It’s fantastic that we can host the event again next year and we are hugely grateful for all the support provided by Specsavers in ensuring another great day of competition and fun.’

The Guernsey Sports Commission is currently liaising with all sports to confirm their involvement and plans for coaching sessions in the run up to the games. All the information will be included in a special Youth Games booklet which will be handed out to all Year 5 and 6 pupils in January.

‘We are hoping to have more sports then ever before taking part next year and there really will be something for everyone,’ said Jenny.

‘We are looking forward to launching the 2021 Specsavers Youth Games in January and know that we have an exciting summer of sport ahead.’

For further information please contact the Guernsey Sports Commission info@guernseysports.com