KENDAL has been chosen to host the Cumbria Youth Games 2003 at the end of June.

This event is the largest multi-sport participation event for young people in the county and will take place on Saturday, June 28.

Over 800 competitors from all six local authority areas of Cumbria come together on one day for a memorable festival of sport.

"The Games provide 9 to 14-year-olds with a fantastic opportunity to compete in a high-profile event," said Richard Foster, the Sports Development Officer with South Lakeland District Council.

The build-up to the 2003 final is currently in progress. Preliminary qualifying rounds are taking place throughout the six areas and the winning teams from these events will go through and represent their district in the final.

The format of the competition includes a diverse range of sports; this year's Games offer the widest range so far.

The list includes athletics, basketball, boccia, football, hockey, netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and tennis.

Following a successful SLDC bid to the Cumbria Sport Partnership, South Lakeland is hosting the event for the first time.

Organised and run by the Cumbria Sport Partnership as an annual event, the Games have previously only taken place in Carlisle.

Also for the first time the event is being aimed at

spectators rather than purely at competitors.

Said Mr Foster::"Obviously the focus of the Games will remain on the young competitors, but entertainment and further attractions for spectators and families will be going on.

"So come along and support the South Lakeland teams on the day!"

The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Kendal Leisure Centre.

The actual sporting events throughout the day will take place at Kendal Leisure Centre, Kirkbie Kendal School, Queen Katherine School, Kendal Lawn Tennis Club and Castle Park Primary School.

Inter-venue transport for competitors is being provided by Cumbria Sport.and the winning teams will be presented with medals at the closing ceremony.

All competitors will be

presented with a city bag, kindly provided by Lakeland Willow Spring Water, containing a District T-shirt (produced by ICIS and sponsored by Lakeland Willow Spring Water), a sports water bottle, a programme of events, pen and certificate.

Lakeland Willow Spring Water are providing everyone involved with water, while ASDA Kendal are supplying fruit and energy bars.

For an event timetable and more details of the attractions there will be a supplement in the 20/6/03 Westmorland Gazette.

Information is also available from SLDC's Sport and Recreation Section, contact Richard Foster (ext 7393) or Will Morton (Ext 7384) by

telephone on 01539 733333. Alternatively checkout http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk.

For even more entertainment, the Kirkland Festival will be starting in the afternoon and carrying on into the evening.

There will be a free transport link from the Youth Games venues to the Festival. For further details on the Kirkland Festival contact Mandy Dixon by telephone on 01539 732363, or log on to http://www.kirklandfestival.com.

May 23, 2003 11:00