Ryedale youngsters rule the roost in youth games (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale youngsters rule the roost in youth games

BUDDING young sports stars from Ryedale finished top of the class in the fifth annual North Yorkshire Youth Games in York last Sunday.

In a competition featuring around 1,200 young athletes from all the districts in the county, Ryedale won the most number of trophies, picking up six from the 18-event programme.

They were victorious in the girls' basketball under-14s, girls' football under-15s, boys' MLD (moderate learning difficulties) football under-16s, under-11 orienteering and under-11 mixed hockey.

Ryedale, who had 175 competitors, were also presented with the fair play award in honour of their outstanding conduct throughout the event.

Ben Grady, community projects officer for sport and recreation for Ryedale District Council, said: "It was a tremendous achievement by the youngsters. A lot of work was put in by team managers and volunteers and it all went really well."

He gave special thanks to Janet Blakeborough, who was in charge of much of the organisation for Ryedale.

The event was held at Huntington and Joseph Rowntree Schools and Rawcliffe Barr country park.

Updated: 12:31 Wednesday, May 26, 2004