MORE than 250 children with varying disabilities from across the county, competed in the first Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Youth Games PLUS at the St Ivo Leisure Centre in St Ives recently. The Games, which took place on June 16, were officially opened

MORE than 250 children with varying disabilities from across the county, competed in the first Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Youth Games PLUS at the St Ivo Leisure Centre in St Ives recently.

The Games, which took place on June 16, were officially opened by Paralympic 800 metre champion and world record holder Danny Crates.

Competitors took part in athletics, cricket, basketball, netball and football and there were some "come and try" sessions in boccia, new age kurling and mini tennis.

Sterling performances came from individuals in the athletics from Highfields School in Ely, as well as some huge potential shown on the football pitch from The Harbour School, Wilburton, who were pipped to the post for a place in the final after losing out on penalties in the semi-finals.

The majority of children who took part were competing for the first time and it is expected that many of them will now be encouraged to join local sports clubs that cater for disabled athletes.

It is hoped that Youth Games PLUS, which was organised by Living Sport in conjunction with the Cambridgeshire Disability Sports Forum and the six local authorities, will now become an annual event and provide young people with further opportunities to play sport.

Coaching will be offered to all of the schools who competed in the Games, with the hope that more competitive opportunities become available for children with disabilities.

Funding for the event was provided by The Local Network Fund, an independent charity that provides projects and services that aim to combat disadvantage.