| |
Poor show at Youth Games baffles Assembly
BRITAIN has been no stranger to sporting mediocrity over the years. Whether it’s dropping the baton, falling at the final furlong or missing the goal posts, we are the nation underachievers.
Tim Henman, Gareth Southgate and Dwain Chambers are just some of the athletes languishing in our sporting graveyard.
Hawkeyed agents and talent spotters won’t be scouring Westminster’s touchlines and athletics tracks to change the script. The borough has the embarrassing distinction of picking up the wooden spoon in London’s youth version of the Olympics last weekend.
We couldn’t throw a punch in judo, bully a win on the hockey field or vault the rest of the pack on the gym mats.
Out of 33 boroughs, Westminster’s young charges, aged between 6 and 17, came bottom of the pile in 17 of 56 disciplines at the 20,000 competitor Balfour Beatty Youth Games – the jewel in the crown of the young people’s sporting calendar.
The woeful performance – the team’s worst in the event’s 31 year history – has everyone scratching their heads.
London Assembly member Murad Qureshi said: “It’s very embarrassing. I went past the team’s tent and there wasn’t even anyone there.
“There’s no reason why Westminster should be worse than any other local authorities. It’s a damning indictment on the council.”
It seems for the council the taking part is what counts.
Councillor Audrey Lewis, cabinet member for neighbourhoods said: “I’m quite proud that in Westminster we encourage all children to take part in sport, regardless of their ability. I am also keen that we do more to develop the minority with exceptional talent for athletics.” |
 |
|
| |
| |
