It's the 39th International Children's Games, an event that has
put Coventry on the world sporting map. This is the first time the
games have been held in Britain and they promise to be bigger and
better than ever. Coventry, the city of peace and reconciliation,
is proud to have brought youngsters together in a spirit of
camaraderie and competition.
John Mutton - Chairman of the Organising Committee says,
"For the city, it is a tremendous coup, particularly after the
announcement of the Olympics and it furthers Coventry's reputation
on the international stage."
Coventry City Council Leader Ken Taylor says. "If we can do
it on this scale here, I am sure the Olympic bid and it is
significance and the amount of work to be done, can be done at that
level as well."
It's appropriate that Coventry which has 26 twin towns world
wide will be staging these games as 54 cities and 35 nations are
represented. Coventry is now just 66 minutes by train from London.
The Warwick University campus which is the events village and venue
for most sports, will be sought after as a training camp for
twenty/twelve along with the City's other excellent sporting
facilities. The International Children's Games has already won
admirers from far and wide.
Jim Elwing - Cleveland Tennis Coach says, "It's a wonderful
thing. There is so much pride the city takes to pull an event
together with all the camaraderie, the volunteers and the
organising committee. They are doing a great job here in
Coventry."
Gordon Horne - Track and Field Organiser says, "Everyone is
talking about it as the first IOC opportunity to show what we can
do."
For many of these competitors it's their first taste of
international competition. They are now hoping to be back in 2012
to compete in Britain again. Many of them say that Coventry is
staging a mini Olympics before the major event in London.
"Well his is my second year at an International Children's
Games. It is like the junior Olympics. I'd like to be back here in
seven years."
"This is the mini Olympics and London has the 2012. I want
to be here, make sure I come."
These games will be an inspiration for young people and provide
another chapter for one of Britain's most celebrated Cities, once
home to arguably Britain's leading lady and leading man, Lady
Godiva and according to legend Saint George. Coventry is leading
again by staging Britain's first International Children's
Games.
END
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