Pictures & Video: Spectacular opening in Maidstone for the Kent School Games
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Picture Gallery
Valence School at the Kent School Games opening.
Picture: John Wardley
Dartford Boys Grammar, Djembe African Drumming Band, at the Kent School Games opening.
Picture: John Wardley
The Simon Langton Dixie Band play at the Kent School Games opening.
Picture: John Wardley
Performers at the opening of the Kent School Games
Performers at the opening of the Kent School Games
Dame Kelly Holmes at the opening of the Kent School Games
Kent School Games opening
by Anna Roberts
aroberts@thekmgroup.co.uk
Dame Kelly Holmes launched the finals of the Kent School Games
at a spectacular ceremony in Maidstone.
Pupils from across Kent, including youngsters from Valley Park
Community School in Maidstone, performed at the opening in
Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park.
Dame Kelly said she had high
hopes for all Kent's pupils.
"I launched the Kent School Games in October last year so it is
great to be here today," she said.
"There are hundreds of competitors from across Kent taking part
in individual and competitive sports."
She said she was sure there were some potential Kent contenders
to her throne.
Dame Kelly attends Kent
School Games opening
About 30,000 pupils competed in a variety of sporting activities
in the run up to the finals of the games, which are supported by
the KM Group.
Now 6,300 children from schools will compete in 64 different
events at 13 different venues.
Certificates will be distributed to every participant and there
will be 1,5000 medallists.
Kent County Council leader Cllr Paul Carter praised the young
people who took part, speaking of the "importance of competitive
sport".
He said the new Sports Minister, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh
Robertson, had suggested rolling out school games across the UK in
the run up to 2012.
Mid Kent Police area commander Ch Supt Matthew Nix, who attended
the launch, said: "This is a fantastic, outstanding idea.
"It's great for children and young people to take part in such
positive activities."
Children launched the games by running in and dancing, banging
drums and singing.
Afterwards schools from across the county put on dance shows
inspired by the games' values including inspiration, respect and
friendship, determination and courage and equality.
Thursday, June 24 2010
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