Children are the Olympic future
9 August 2012
Long after the excitement of London 2012, the legacy of the
‘greatest show on Earth’ will be felt for many years to come,
particularly for today’s young people.
Since 2008 the Kent School Games
(KSG) has helped showcase potential sporting talents of the future.
Just two years ago, Dartford’s Adam Gemili took part in the County
Schools Athletics Championships, part of the Kent School Games. He
was successfully selected for Team GB at London 2012 and has
certainly proved himself as a sprinter, competing in the 100 metres
semi-final at the Olympics.
The Kent School Games (KSG) has helped encourage young people to
reach their personal achievements and give them a unique
opportunity to take part.
KCC Leader Paul Carter said: “The
Kent School Games is all about competitive sport between schools
and involving the greatest number of young people as possible in
the spirit of fair play. This is a very significant year for sport,
with the Olympics being on the doorstep.”
This year, more than 30,000 young athletes aged 4-16 experienced
first-hand the thrill of competing in 38 different sports as part
of the KSG, which is the largest school sport competition in the UK
and probably Europe. The KSG is now being used as a model for
the government’s National School Games initiative.
Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson said: “The
Games provided great experiences and memories for the young people
for many years to come. I am committed to seeing a real legacy from
the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the growth of the
School Games will provide just that. I would like to thank Kent
County Council, the government-funded School Games Organisers, the
governing bodies of sport, the teachers, officials and other
volunteers for making this happen.”
Back in the classroom, the county’s four year education
programme ‘Kent 20in12’, which has involved more than 200,000 young
people and virtually every Kent school, has been awarded an
official Inspire Mark by LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the
Olympic Games) for creating a long-term legacy from the Games.
The scheme encourages schools to base their lessons around the
Olympic and Paralympic values of personal excellence, respect and
friendship, inspiration, determination, courage and
equality.
A special celebration awards ceremony will be held in the Autumn
in each district to recognise the outstanding work of students and
staff as part of the Kent 20in12 programme. The gold medal winners
from the sportsfield will join those from the classroom to
celebrate together. They will also have the chance to hold an
official Olympic torch and meet a former Team GB athlete.