Young people from Epsom & Ewell were honoured at a special awards ceremony at Bourne Hall on Monday 14 July for their efforts in this year’s Surrey Youth Games. The Borough had the most number of teams on the day and came fifth overall in the competition compared to seventh last year.

More than 300 people attended the awards evening including participants, parents, managers, volunteers and local clubs. Certificates were presented to each child by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Alan Winkworth and Dynamo Duck made an appearance to collect his well deserved gold medal as winner of the Mascot race.

A number of special awards were also handed out during the evening. Outstanding contribution awards were given to Kiera Woods and Samantha Windett who stepped in at the last minute and swapped their netball bibs for basketball bibs and helped the Girls Basketball team win a silver medal. The Most Supportive School Shield went to Glyn Technology School, Most Supportive Team Manager Award to swimming team manager Tom Anstis and Most Supportive Club was given to Ebbisham Sports Club. All these awards were presented by the Chairman of the Leisure Committee, Councillor Clive Woodbridge and the president of Epsom Rotary Club, Robert Wilson.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge said: 
    
    “It was fantastic to be able to congratulate all the young people who helped this Borough to success in the Surrey Youth Games by honouring them at this special ceremony. The Council is continually looking at ways of enhancing services for young people as one of its Key Priorities for the next four years. The Surrey Youth Games is one way of being able to achieve our aim but most importantly it gives children of all abilities the chance to try a new sport and feel proud that they are representing their Borough.”

In this year’s Surrey Youth Games, despite being the smallest of the 11 Borough’s in Surrey, Epsom & Ewell entered the highest number of teams, 31 in total, and came fifth overall. More than 200 young people from Epsom & Ewell took part in this year’s games which took place over a two-day weekend in Guildford and Woking on 21 and 22 June.

The squad of 186 girls and boys battled it out in 12 different sports at the 12th annual event, winning team and individual Swimming gold medals and an individual gold for Mitchell Kayne in the Senior Boys Judo competition. In addition, four silver and seven bronze medals were awarded to teams and individuals in Girls & Boys Basketball, Junior Boccia, Judo and Mini-Squash.

Coaching sessions are open to boys and girls aged seven to 16 years who live or attend school in the Borough. This year more than 300 young people benefited from free coaching by highly qualified coaches from local sports clubs who volunteered their time and expertise.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Games or would like to take part next year you can find out more by visiting the Surrey Youth Games section on the Council's website.

To look at photos from Surrey Youth Games 2008 please go to http://www.photoboxgallery.com/surreyyouthgames