Young sportspeople in Merton are celebrating after achieving success in the 2005 London Youth Games, Europe’s largest youth sport competition.

Over 20,000 young people from across 33 London Boroughs took part in a programme of sports activities and events for both able-bodied and disabled young people throughout the year with the main finals taking place at Crystal Palace National Sports Arena.

Merton achieved the following successes in individual events:
· Thomas Brown achieving two gold’s in disability swimming
· Jodie Harris achieving gold in disability swimming
· Dennis Oduro achieving silver in disability athletics
· Allan Campbell achieving fourth place in swimming
· Lucy Rawlings achieving fourth place in diving
· Sam Phillips reaching the boys singles quarterfinals in badminton.

Merton also achieved the following successes in team events:
· 4th place for diving
· 5th place for girls football
· 5th place for boys football
· 6th place for angling
· 6th place for BOCCIA
· 7th place for moderate learning difficulties boys football
· 9th place for canoeing
· 10th place for tennis
· 12th place for fencing

It was the 28th London Heathrow Youth Games and it featured over 40 different sporting events ranging from angling to Boccia and karate to weightlifting, open to young people in school years 4 – 12.

Merton’s entry into the youth games is co-ordinated by the council’s leisure development team. They rely heavily on local coaches to volunteer as team managers. If you would like to get involved for next years games or to find out more about the games contact 020 8545 4738 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/events/youthgames

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photos available on request from the media