Olympians add excitement to Newham Mini Games

Children from Newham were given a taste of the Olympic excitement that will take-over their borough in 2012, with the Newham mini-games.

The event was made possible by a Sports Development Grant funded by Balfour Beatty and Help a London Child as part of their Free Sport for All programme and saw more than a thousand year 5 and 6 pupils spend the day playing hockey, touch-rugby, swimming, football and handball in a pre-cursor to the upcoming London Youth Games.

The students were joined by Olympians Jacqui Agyepong and Jeanette Kwakye, both of whom spoke about their own fond memories of competing in the London Youth Games.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said the borough is committed to keeping the borough fit and healthy. He said: “We want all our children to have healthy and active lifestyles. The Council is developing programmes with health colleagues to improve fitness and tackle obesity. Newham does more than any borough to promote health and fitness and today’s mini games prove how much fun it can be. While we hope to see Olympians like Jacqui and Jeanette emerge from Newham, we also just as proud of every child that gets out on the field and participates.”

Jacqui added: “It’s so important to have events like this because they keep children fit and healthy and also give them the opportunity to get a taste of the Olympic spirit. Days like this aren’t about winners and losers, it’s about everyone getting out on the field and having fun.”

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