AROUND 130 young athletes in 14 teams represented West Devon in the Youth Games at Exeter Arena on Saturday July 1.
They took part in a variety of sports, including football, tag rugby, swimming, tennis and athletics. Winning teams in each sport will be going on to represent their area in a national event in Southampton.
Twenty-six of the young athletes were from Tavistock Athletic Club which organised the West Devon team and interested youngsters from across the region were encouraged to attend regular training sessions with the club, enabling preparation and team selection to take place.
The athletics were highly competitive and although West Devon did not win the overall team events, the day saw many individual successes and triumphs.
Ellie Tattersall in the Year 8 hurdles was winning her heat when she had a disagreement with a hurdle and stumbled. She was immediately up and asking if she could run again. She went on to run well in the relay.
Paul Rowe ran an excellent 800 metres which, when confirmed by the official results, should see Paul again breaking his personal best time at the distance. He was well supported by twin brother Oliver who threw with real determination.
The girls' Year 6 and 7 team also achieved some excellent results, with Zoe Stock winning three of her events. Jake Brown proved himself an athlete to watch with some well paced and successful middle distance running.
The year 6 and 7 girls' team were Kayleigh Wonnacott, Emma Passmore, Erin Lovatt, Bethan Shillabeer, Kyrelle Burton, Zoe Stock and Kathryn Doulton. The year 8 girls' team were Ellie Tattersall, Sophie McGowan, Jemma Davey, Kira Lovatt, Rhiannon Stephens and Susie Emmett.
The year 6 and 7 boys' team were Graeme Galway, Robin Lees, Jacob Brown, Ramone Burton, David Fewings and Alex Topham. The year 8 boys' team were Paul Rowe, Oliver Rowe, Adam Tofield, Adam Holland, Stuart Jefferies, James Richardson and Andi Rae.
Sally Hubbard and Frances McKinnon organised the preparation for the event and were team managers on the day.
West Devon's sports development officer Jo Heuze said the boys' U13s basketball team missed out on reaching the National Youth Games by just one point — but talent spotters were on hand and noted down names for the future.