THE prestigious Devon Rotary Youth Games 2016 was hosted and organised by local recreation charity OCRA in Okehampton last Sunday.

The event brought together 1,200 young people, with teams from all areas of Devon and for the first time ever there were entries from Cornwall. There were 15 sports with different  events for young people aged between  6-18 years old.

The day started with a carnival feel opening ceremony that inco-orporated stilt walkers, entertainers , OCRA Dance Project and sporting champions Georgina Geekie (pistol shooting) and Marlie Packer (rugby international) before dispersing to the many sports across the OCRA, Parklands and Simmons Park site.

OCRA had also been working  with local coaches and clubs since the new year developing team West Devon in athletics, badminton, tag rugby, football, hockey, triathlon, tennis, netball, street sports of scooters and skateboarding, boccia, cricket and gymnastics. OCRA gave a ’big thank you’ to West Devon Borough Council for their financial support to help develop a representative team.

OCRA manager Stuart Lord Manager told the Times: ’We are blessed in West Devon to have such fantastic coaches and clubs that offer young people so many opportunities. Getting together Team West Devon allows young people the chance to try new sports, develop new skills, improve fitness, train, be part of trials, meet new people, have fun and then come to the biggest youth community sports and arts event in Devon.

’Not only did the young people and teams have a great day, they also this year competed so well and  won so many medals. It was a great reflection on the coaches and young peoples dedication when the results were announced that West Devon had won the competition, but also that our young people had represented themselves and the area in such a positive way that we were awarded the fair play trophy.’

He added: ‘We have a great community spirit and when we announced OCRA were to host the games, it was fantastic the enthusiasm from so many people, clubs, organisations, our OCRA young sports’ leaders, dance and music projects, facility providers Okehampton Town Council and Parklands and so many individuals.

‘A really big thank you to all that added to a fantastic event that showed Active Okehampton in such a great light. Special thanks to Rotary SW Penninsula and our local club who have got together to support the new Devon Youth Games board  along with Devon County Council councilors who see the great value of the event to Inspire, Challenge  Achieve, Volunteer and Get Active

If there are any sponsors that would like to support Team West Devon 2017 or any sports or arts  projects across the borough please contact OCRA.’

For full results and pictures from the day go to the OCRA Facebook.