Kent School Games 2012

The Kent School Games promise to be bigger and better than ever before in this very special Olympic and Paralympic year.

Since being launched in 2008, the event has become the largest school sports competition in Europe and is being used as a model for the government’s National School Games initiative.

The aim of the Kent School Games is to:

• give young people aged 4 to 16 the chance to compete in their own countywide competition
• to encourage an enthusiasm for sport, achievement and exercise
• to create memories for the young athletes from taking part.

The number of children competing has risen to more than 30,000, there are now 36 sports played, 13 more have been added since the Games started.

The minimum age of the competitors has come down to include those aged 4 and above, whereas previously it was 7 years and over.

Coming up this year

Heats and trials have been taking place across the county and finals are starting to get underway from February 2012. The local winners are now preparing to represent their schools and areas, hoping to win a coveted medal and be crowned triumphant.

A special event was held at the University of Kent on 2 February to mark the first of the finals. World-class football freestyle artist John Farnworth showed off his moves before around 240 children aged 14 and under competed in the Futsal finals. Futsal is similar to football.

There will be 29 finals taking place with a celebration event packed with arts and cultural performances, planned for 12 June 2012.