ON the hottest day of the year so far, magnificent venues, palm trees and the blue waters of the English Riviera provided the perfect backdrop to a day of sport on Sunday at the 2013 Devon Games to Inspire, held at numerous venues across Torbay.

The waterfront location and direct access to the sea provided an opportunity for organisers to add sailing and a sea-swim triathlon to the competition.

Olympic London 2012 diver Sarah Barrow opened the event and took a tour of the competitions offering inspiration and advice to the competing young athletes before flying out to the World Diving Championships. The ceremony was closed by professional mountain bike athlete Andrei Burton

Teignbridge were announced winners at the closing ceremony, with Torbay in second place and Exeter and East Devon in third and West Devon fourth.

Andrei Burton said: 'It was a great event for the Andrei Burton Events Team to be involved in. It's not just about mainstream sports and it gives everyone a chance to push themselves as well as meet people from across Devon. The day was fantastic.'

As part of the Sainsbury's School Games Devon Festival of Sport it is one of the largest junior sporting and cultural events in the county's calendar, attracting nearly 1000 young participants, more than 200 young volunteers and their families and friends.

Sailing and triathlon were not the only new sports introduced this year, teams of young people from all across the county also competed in bowls, boccia, dance mats, golf and table cricket for the first time.

As well as the sports competitions other activities were on offer to visitors in 'Avego' Avenue – including arts and crafts, music, taster sports from local clubs and fun activities.

ON one of the hottest days of the year, the Devon games to Inspire took place in Torbay with more than 1,000 youngsters taking part. Teams from eight local authorities took part competing in a variety of sports.

The West Devon triathlon team squad this year claimed one gold, three silvers and a bronze in the team and individual events.

Winning gold for the year 9/10 team were Joshua Blake, Archie Cox, Molly Rickwood and Megan Groom.

In the boys' individual event Joshua came second while in the girls event Molly and Megan came second and third respectively.

The Year 7/8 team secured a team silver with great performances by Jo Mulroy, Angus Cunningham, Elsa Fragleton and Molly Marvin.

Many thanks were expressed to Dave Rickwood who again trained and coached the West Devon Triathlon team.