NINE boys from West Devon will be heading for Southampton this week to represent Devon at the Millennium Youth Games national grand final.
The boys, who fought off fierce competition at the Devon and Cornwall Youth Games on Saturday July 1, have earned their a place to play basketball in the Devon team.
One hundred children from across the county will represent Devon, taking part in one of eight sports.
More than 7,000 children — 52 teams — from across the country are now gearing up to do battle in the grand final in Southampton, from August 17 to 20, and every effort is being made to ensure the experience they gain from participating in the biggest youth sport event in the world remains with them for the rest of their lives.
The boys left Tavistock this Wednesday to join the rest of the Devon Team for a 'bonding and training day'. They will then leave for Southampton today (Thursday).
'This is a tremendous achievement for the youngsters in the basketball team, and has been the result of their hard work and commitment to the games', said Jo Heuze, the sports development officer of West Devon Borough Council.