The Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is back for another year. It’s the largest multi-sport youth programme of its kind in the southeast, offering free local activities for 7–16-year-olds as well as a final celebratory event for the whole family.
The Games are open to all but are actively promoted to encourage young people who may not ordinarily get the chance to attend a club, who may have been put off by the thought of competing against others or who are inactive.
The activities start after Easter across the county's boroughs and districts with all teams coming together for a family-friendly event at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Saturday 17 June.
Sports include boxing, dance, boccia, Go Tri (indoor rowing, cycling, and running), judo, street basketball, swimming, and tennis, all of which are gender-neutral (except rugby) and can be adapted for those with additional needs.
Last year the event was attended by the Mayor of Waverley, Councillor John Ward, who said: “The Surrey Youth Games play an important role in bringing people across Surrey together. It was a joy seeing the children engaging in activities which form an essential part of their development”.
Portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, Councillor Kika Mirylees, said,
“Building positive habits early in life is vital for children’s long-term health and we warmly welcome this year’s Specsavers Surrey Youth Games. The Games aim to encourage young people to have a positive attitude towards sport through participation, to increase levels of physical activity amongst young people and importantly to give access to all young people. It’s about joining in, having a go, and having fun and we look forward to seeing our young people do just that”.
Registration for the Games is required and is now open. Visit Waverley Borough Council’s website to find out more about the sports and their locations.
The programme is coordinated by Active Surrey in association with each borough and district council in Surrey who provide all the free activities, plus a range of local and national sport governing bodies. Visit Active Surrey to find out more.