Youth Games: Haringey claim fourth straight Schools’ Shield
Haringey won the Schools Shield at the London Youth Games finals - Credit: Archant
North London youngsters impress once again at Crystal Palace
Haringey were presented with an unprecedented fourth Schools’ Shield title in a row at the opening ceremony of the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace on Thursday.
The shield, which saw all 33 London boroughs compete in nine different sports between February and June prior to this weekend’s London Youth Games Jubilee Cup was presented by current UK athletes and Londoners, Daryll Neita and Conrad Williams along with Commonwealth gold medal weightlifter, Zoe Smith.
All three launched their sport careers at the London Youth Games and Haringey took the title from Havering with Newham finishing in third place.
Dave Thomas, Haringey’s school team organiser, said: “To be top of the 33 London boroughs and take the shield for the fourth time in a row is incredible.
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“It’s all down to the quality of the schools in borough which have been steadily improving, the support from head teachers and PE staff and of course our kids who have been brilliant. For them to say they are the best in London is amazing and inspiring.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the games, which is the largest annual youth sports festival in Europe. Over 140,000 young Londoners from all 33 London Boroughs take part in the games every year.
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Around 7,000 young people are set to take part in the finals weekend, after a number of events on the opening day including basketball, mini tennis, rugby and gymnastics as part of the School Shields Trophy.
John Hughes, chief executive of the London Youth Games, said: “We had an amazing opening ceremony to kick off the 40th Anniversary Summer Finals.
“It’s such a privilege to work on a programme which gets 140,000 young people from every borough in London more active.
“This is the only opportunity for young people from everywhere in London, no matter what community, background, race or faith, to work together as part of their local team in a fun and supportive environment.”
Teams from schools across Haringey will be competing in other events as boroughs chase the Jubilee Trophy at the finals weekend.
