IT was a great day of sport and fun for Team West Devon at the South West Rotary Youth Games, as the team finished second overall.

Around 800 participants aged eight to 18 represented their local area across 13 sports at the games in Dawlish while hundreds of other families enjoyed a packed day of activities including food stalls, fun runs, archery, dodgeball, swimming and local bands all brought to a brilliant climax by watching England on the giant screen as they qualified for the World Cup semi-finals.

Hosts Teignbridge took the overall trophy as the winning area for the fifth time, as the games celebrated its 20th anniversary. 2016 and 2017 champions West Devon were second overall and South Hams placed third.

West Devon did clinch victory in the badminton, cyclo cross, girls’ football and gymnastics events.

The West Devon team was co-ordinated by Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) in partnership with Fusion, local clubs, sports coaches and instructors. OCRA manager Stuart Lord said the team put in a fantastic performance.

He added: ‘It’s great to see young people from all over West Devon coming together and having a good time in sports as diverse as cyclo cross, gymnastics, netball, dance, skateboarding, scooters, hockey, girls’ football, badminton, triathlon, tennis and ability sessions.

‘A big thanks to the clubs, coaches and instructors that make West Devon such a vibrant place to live. We would also like to thank West Devon Borough Council for their financial support that allows this to happen.’

Councillor Tony Leech, West Devon lead member for health and wellbeing, said: ‘To achieve second place is still a fantastic achievement for the youth of West Devon and congratulations to everyone who took part in these games.

‘The South West Rotary Youth Games is a brilliant event that sees the youth of neighbouring areas join together and compete in a range of sports. We send our congratulations to Teignbridge and look forward to taking part again next year.’

Event organiser and South West Youth Games Trust chief executive Chris Broadbent said: ‘It was an incredible day for young people and their families from right across the region. We could not have organised such a day without the help of numerous volunteers including club representatives who ran various sessions, to the team coaches, umpires and referees.

‘Their help has enabled us to make a real difference to the lives of young people. We know from Saturday’s event alone that five new girls’ rugby clubs have formed.

‘The games are full of stories like that – it is a catalyst for local community sport leaving a legacy in all areas. We can build on this success for next year.’