HUNDREDS of children took full advantage of the unexpected sunshine to take part in the region s largest disability sports festival. Teams representing St Neots Samuel Pepys School and Huntingdon School Spring Common took part in a variety of different a

HUNDREDS of children took full advantage of the unexpected sunshine to take part in the region's largest disability sports festival.

Teams representing St Neots' Samuel Pepys School and Huntingdon School Spring Common took part in a variety of different activities.

The Youth Games Plus, held at the St Ivo Indoor and Outdoor leisure centres, were officially opened by England Ladies cricket captain Charlotte Edwards, and Philip Swales, chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council.

The children, all of whom attend special schools across the county and have a range of disabilities, competed in sports such as athletics, football and cricket.

Children also had the chance to try out some more unusual sports such as sitting volleyball and archery. There were also sensory games for children with more profound disabilities - a first for the event.

The Games offer a rare chance for children from special schools to compete against each other and all participants are encouraged to carry on playing sport through schemes run by the counties local authorities, with help from local coaches.

Spring Common School came first at key stages four and five, while the Samuel Pepys School was third in the same age group.

Lorna Watkins, events co-ordinator at organisers LIVING SPORT, said: "Once again the Games were a huge success and we were incredibly lucky with the weather which only added to the atmosphere.

"There was some great competition and some fantastic examples of fair play displayed by all the competitors. Everyone left with smiling faces and we're already looking forward to next year which we hope will attract even more children."

With such a big event, the organisers also managed to secure help from more than 100 volunteers, who travelled from all over the county to support the event.

Cambridge Building Society, generous sponsors of the Huntingdonshire teams, also provided voluntary help on the day.

INFORMATION: Any individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring or helping out at next year's event should contact Lorna Watkins on 01487 849920.

n ATHLETES from Hunts Athletics club travelled to the Anglian Regional Schools Championships whilst representing Cambridgeshire.

St Ivo pupil Christian Roberts proved one of the top performers on the day, opening the competition with an emphatic victory in the 400m hurdles in a personal best time of 56.5 seconds.

Roberts then collected his second gold medal of the day in the 100m hurdles, equalling his personal best of 14.1 seconds. Both times are within the English Schools qualifying standard, meaning Roberts will head to Birmingham next month for the Schools Championships.

Elsewhere, Ellie Rhodes recorded a new personal best of 10.83m in the triple jump to secure the gold medal, set a new championship record and earn her place at the Schools Championships.