The London Youth Games’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the London Youth Games Virtual Games, came to an exciting close this weekend with Camden crowned the first ever Virtual Games Champions.

For the last four weeks, children and young people from London have been completing a series of sport-related challenges, set by young Londoners with a connection to the London Youth Games, to earn points for their Boroughs.

The final week began with a bonus 1 Mile Relay Challenge set by Aidan from Hounslow, followed by a Target Batting Cricket Challenge set by Nathan from Barking and Dagenham and Oscar from Kingston, a Throwing Accuracy Boccia Challenge set by Ru from Wandsworth, and a Wall Ball Water Polo Challenge set by Jakab from Lewisham.

Enfield won the 1 Mile Relay Challenge with over 800 young people from their Borough taking part. However, it was Camden who dominated the final week to secure their spot at the top of the leaderboard with first place finishes in the Target Batting Cricket Challenge, the Throwing Accuracy Boccia Challenge and the Wall Ball Water Polo Challenge.

Camden are crowned Virtual Games Champions with a total of 412 points, while Bromley, the reigning Jubilee Trophy holders, finish second with 410 points, and Merton finish third with 363 points.

The final week recorded the highest participation numbers, with 15,221 entries. In total, across all 13 challenges, the Virtual Games attracted an incredible 40,522 entries, with engagement from all 33 Boroughs.

“Just over 21 years ago, I developed a rare eye condition that left me blind and I could no longer take part in sport or physical activity,” said LYG CEO Andy Dalby-Welsh. “Just over 100 days ago, something similar happened for young Londoners. Due to the lockdown, all of a sudden young Londoners could not take part in sport or physical activity. Something that is so important to our physical and mental wellbeing. I was fortunate to find my way back into sport and then even further to work in it.

“We wanted to ensure that we had a response that would help young Londoners find their way back into sport and physical activity. We launched the Virtual Games that has now come to its conclusion. I want to say a massive thank you to the young Londoners who set the challenges for our first Virtual Games. I also want to say a big thank you to those who have encouraged young Londoners and promoted the Virtual Games across the network. Finally, and most importantly, I want to say a huge thank you to the young Londoners who have took part in the Games. We had over 40,000 entries, so thank you, and an incredible congratulations to Camden who are our first ever Virtual Games winners.”

For more information about the LYG Virtual Games visit: www.londonyouthgames.org/virtual-games