HUNDREDS of sporting youngsters from across the county will head to Ellesmere Port on Saturday as the town says a fond farewell to the Cheshire Youth Games.
The annual sports showcase comes to the end of its three-year run in the borough this weekend, meaning the Games will move to another part of Cheshire from next year.
Michelle Aspden, youth sports development officer for Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, said: 'The Games have been great for the area. But there are other boroughs who will want to bid for them too and, having just hosted it, other areas are likely to be looked upon more favourably.'
The Games - coordinated by Sport Cheshire on behalf of the Cheshire and Warrington Sports Partnership - see youngsters from the county represent their district in a variety of sports.
This year, the borough council has entered 16 teams and they will be in action on Saturday at Cheshire Oaks High School and the David Lloyd Centre, between 9.30am and 4pm.
Michelle added: 'Trials began in October to allow children who enjoy sport but are not members of clubs and don't play regularly to try out for the borough teams.
'As a result, we are entering teams in athletics, girls cricket, girls football, girls and boys hockey, netball, hi-five netball, girls rugby, mixed tag rugby and tennis. We are also entering two teams in basketball, boccia and badminton and we will have a group of cheerleaders visiting each team in competition to spur them on.'
The Games also feature pan-disability football and mini-polo.
'The Games have had a major impact on sport among young people in Ellesmere Port,' added Michelle.
