Published: Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 16:30
Updated: Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 17:22
Over 1,200 young people from 93 schools across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield competed in the Jet2holidays West Yorkshire School Games at Leeds Metropolitan University this week.
The region’s next generation of sporting talent took part in the county finals of 12 different sports, including athletics, cycling, gymnastics and tag rugby, with Team GB judo athlete Sophie Cox on hand to congratulate the winners and runners-up.
Run by West Yorkshire Sport, the West Yorkshire School Games 2014 is sponsored by the Leeds-based leading package holiday expert for the second year in a row, with support from The Greek Tourist Board. The games are part of the Sainsbury’s School Games, a national Olympic legacy programme that aims to bring thousands of young people together, through sport.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive Officer of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We’re thrilled to have sponsored the county finals again this year which has once again been a great success and hugely enjoyable for thousands of young people.
“These games are a great way to encourage youngsters to get together through sport, developing essential skills such as team work and communication as well as improving fitness levels. We couldn’t have supported this initiative without the help of The Greek Tourist Board – they even brought some sunshine to yesterday’s event!”
Sophie Cox added: “Sport is great for competitiveness but also raises aspirations and helps young people have an aim and goal in life.”
Steve Curran, Chair of the Local Organising Committee said: “I think the event surpasses itself every year. The thing I love about it most, is the spirit. We have got people competing against each other, but it brings out the best in the students and the staff. They mix together and it creates something special, the spirit of the event. That is the thing that students remember most, not the competition, but the spirit.”
Nigel Harrison, CEO of WYSport said: “Competition is vital to school sport and these games give our young athletes a chance to enjoy the excitement of a major sporting event. We thank our sponsors, Jet2holidays and the Education Network for their support in helping us provide this fantastic opportunity for young people.”
