Young people in Hackney did themselves proud in 2022’s London Youth Games, winning the ParaGames Trophy today with impressive performances in the inclusive events, in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, and the 45^th anniversary of the Games.

The ParaGames Trophy is awarded to only 1 of the 33 London boroughs and Hackney stood out consistently across the season. Hackney’s greatest successes came in the inclusive Boccia, ParaGames Football and ParaGames Athletics events.

Disabled young people have been amongst the most isolated in society during the pandemic. Uncertainty and fear around coronavirus has also impacted their mental health. The ParaGames events give young people with impairments the opportunity to boost their mental wellbeing through exercise. Plus, it gives them a chance to socialise with other children and take pride in representing their community.

Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, said: “I am really proud of the young people of Hackney who won the ParaGames Trophy at the London Youth Games – what a fantastic achievement, especially as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It wouldn’t have been possible without the pupils and staff from Stormont House School, so thank you to them for their commitment and dedication.”

Hackney started their winning run in March, winning gold at the Boccia finals, after winning all 3 games in the knockout stages, and then going on to beat Lambeth 4-1 in the finals.

In May, Hackney went on the win 1st place in the Boys ParaGames Athletics at Mile End. Paragames Athletics is a pan-disability event, with track and field events for young people aged 12-18. The boys boasted wins in the 100m in the Severe Learning Disability and Ambulant E category, 200m in the SLD and Ambulant D and E categories, and won the Javelin Severe Learning Disability category and Shot Put Wheelchair category.

What’s more, Hackney placed 2nd in the Girls ParaGames Athletics competition on the same day. The girls took 1st place in the 100m Ambulant E category, 1st place in the Standing Long Jump Severe Learning Disability category, Javelin Mild Learning Disability category, and Shot Put Ambulant E category.

In mid June, the borough went on to win the Boys ParaGames Football trophy on 16 June. They competed against 16 borough teams at Jack Carter Pavillion in Redbridge and keep progressing, beating Camden in the finals. On top of that, Hackney also came 2nd in the Girls ParaGames Football.

Martha, who took part, said: “It’s a really good experience to be here. It’s good for self esteem and for team building.”

Hackney also won the Inner London trophy for the first time in history this year.

Geoff Thompson MBE, Chair of London Youth Games, commented: “Congratulations to Hackney and all those involved in London Youth Games. In a 2012 Olympic and Paralympic 10th Anniversary year, Sport, and London Youth Games is a great unifier in bringing communities together. Each one of us is aware of lives being lost on London’s streets and I believe sport and London Youth Games has such an important role in boosting our young people’s life chances, creating opportunities, and ultimately saving lives. I became Chair of London Youth Games to give more young people the chance to participate in the Games and I want to create a youth games where every single young Londoner wants to be involved in some way, assisted by all the agencies who support our efforts, providing a real and lasting legacy opportunity for all.”

The events were part of the ‘Open Games’, which young people who either live or go to school in a London borough can compete in. The ‘Open Games’ is delivered in partnership with Nike and our 33 London local authority members.