South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 27/06/2013

​This year the festival returns to Yate Outdoor Sports Complex and features children from more than 70 schools who will take to the track and field to compete in eight sports including hockey, tag-rugby, athletics and tennis.

Karen Butler, a Paralympic shooter from Bradley Stoke who competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games will be joined by some of the children along with Cllr Claire Young, Chair of the Communities Committee and Derek Miller, Head of Customer Services for Airbus in the UK, sponsors of the event. They will declare the festival officially open with a balloon launch which will be followed by a parade around the track with the school children who will be carrying flags from around the world.

Cllr Claire Young, Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Saturday’s event marks almost a year since the inspirational Olympics and Paralympics were held in London. Our own Festival of Youth Sport reminds us that the potential to achieve at the highest level starts with home-grown talent. It provides children with an amazing opportunity to be coached by local clubs in a variety of new sports in the run up to the main event. And it’s not just about the day itself; it’s about sparking that interest in sports which we hope will leave a lasting legacy amongst our young people.”

Karen Butler first started shooting in 1984 when she was introduced to the sport while working towards her gold Duke of Edinburgh award. She found she had a natural ability for the sport in which she went on to represent her country. Commenting on the Festival of Youth Sport, Karen said: “One of the best things about the festival is the opportunity for children of all abilities to compete together in a fantastic range of sports. I tried out shooting at a similar event and decided to continue because of the fun I had learning something new.”

Derek Miller, Head of Customer Services for Airbus in the UK said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s Festival of Youth Sport and wish all competitors the very best of luck. Since its inception some twelve years ago, more than 31,500 young people have benefited from sports coaching in an amazing variety of sports and at Airbus, we are particularly proud of the legacy this leaves throughout our communities. Let the games begin!”