A SOUTH Yorkshire college principal has been named as the new boss of the South Yorkshire School Games – which were held for the first time last year.
Nick Bowen, aged 49, who is head at Horizon Community College in Barnsley, will take over this year from predecessor Diane McKinlay, headteacher at Forge Valley School in Sheffield.
He will work with South Yorkshire Sport and a team of 10 School Games Organisers to put on the 2013 events.
Nick said: “In a year that is all about sporting legacy I am delighted to be taking over as chair of the South Yorkshire School Games.
“The previous chair Diane McKinlay did a fantastic job and I am looking forward to building on what she achieved.”
At the 2012 games, held in spring and summer, more than 2,500 pupils and 300 teams competed in 13 sports for more than 1,000 medals, with the event supported by 160 volunteers.
“It is a fantastic event and so inspiring and this year will be even bigger and better,” Nick added.
“Qualifying events are taking place at schools across the region and we can’t wait for the competitions to start.”
This year’s games will see youngsters of all ages from across the county compete in 15 sports, including seven disability sports.
The event is made up of two one day festivals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on March 12 and at Horizon and Shaw Lane Sports Club in Barnsley on July 3.
There will also be standalone events for trampolining at Saint Pius X Catholic High School in Wath-upon-Dearne, on Thursday, January 31 and orienteering at Wentworth Castle, Barnsley on Friday, July 5.
Trampolining, orienteering, judo and seated volleyball are just some of the new sports set to debut at the 2013 Games after the success of last year’s inaugural event.
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