Gloucestershire Area Youth Games 2004

This years Gloucestershire Area Youth Games was held at the University of Gloucestershire on 18 and 19 June. The trophy for overall fair play in all matches by teams participating throughout the event was awarded to Stroud and collected by Stroud DC's Regeneration Through Sport Manager and squad organiser, Jane Bullows.

Stroud DC's Regeneration Through Sport Manager and squad organiser, Jane Bullows with Fair Play Trophy

"I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of all Stroud teams. It is a testament to all of the hard work that our coaches, Team Managers and athletes have put in running up to the event and throughout the day". Winners have to demonstrate good behaviour, being a good sport, being gracious in victory and defeat, respect for officials and their decisions and co-operation and teamwork at all times.

Presentation Evening: 26 October 2004 - Buffet Evening and Presentation to Members/Coaches.

A buffet evening took place in SDC Council Chamber to enable SDC Members and coaches from this year's Area Youth Games to meet and greet. Jane Bullows, Regeneration Through Sport Manager delivered a presentation covering Stroud's success, the event day and praised the coaches for their fantastic efforts throughout the year. The evening culminated with Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy thanking all involved and presenting the coaches with the overall Fair Play Trophy won by Stroud District at the event in June 2004. This prestigious award recognises that all of our athletes/Team Managers demonstrated fair play in all aspects of the competition and were the best district in the county on the day.

Boys hockey team (years 7/8) - Gold Medallists

All teams had a great day and although the event is not just about winning medals, the years 7/8 boys hockey team took the Gold (pictured on the right), years 7/8 girls hockey team and years 8/9 girls football team took Silver. Click on the following link to see photos of all the medallists. In total, 100 young athletes from the District took part in 7 different sports (girls' football, hockey, netball, basketball, girls rugby, tennis, athletics). Click on the following link to see more photos of the games.

The Games were set up to Promote the Value of Sport to Young People' and are now in their sixth year. This year was the first ever Gloucestershire Youth Games, replacing the Western Counties Youth Games previously held in Somerset. The event was co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Sports Partnership and was the result of combined efforts of Sports Development Officers, teachers, coaches, governing body officers and volunteers accross the county. The two-day event featured a Disability Sports Festival on Friday 18th, followed by a competitive event on the 19th with teams representing the six local authorities in the county

St. Roses special school participating in boccia

Athletes from our Special Schools accross the district had a great day and took part in boccia, new age kurling, table sports, tennis, rugby, football and athletics festivals and coaching sessions. Click on the following link to see more photos of the Disability Sports Festival.

Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, the Council's Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, showed his support by attending the event. "This is a very worthwhile project that is extremely encouraging for sport in the Stroud District," he said. "The important thing is the taking part. Everyone did well and enjoyed themselves."