MORE than 2,000 up-and-coming young sports stars from all over the county competed in the Hampshire Games at Aldershot on Friday.

The event part of the Sainsbury’s School Games initiative, featured a range of sports including Athletics, Basketball, Boccia, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, New Age Kurling, Rounders, Swimming, Tag Rugby, Tennis, Tri-Golf, Trampolining, Volleyball, Canoeing and Panathlon.

The opening ceremony was attended by Team GB World Champion 400 metre runner, Lesley Owusu and England Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, Claire Purdy.

The Games also provided a Challenge Zone for young people and spectators to try various different activities throughout both days including a climbing wall, mountain biking, Tchoukball, Handball, Golf and Archery.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, commented: “What a marvellous day. To see children and young people of varying ages and abilities, from all over the county, taking part in such a diverse range of sports was absolutely fantastic. It was clear that everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves and their enthusiasm was infectious. Yet another excellent example of partners working together for the benefit of the young people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. My congratulations to Sport Hampshire & IOW for making it such a success.”