Last Friday we were delighted to see that 95 children and young people plus their families pack into the concourse at Grahame Park Estate on the last Friday of the summer holidays for Urban Gamez 2017!
The Gamez were bigger and better this year thanks to the sponsorship our contractor Morgan Sindall, who provide planned maintenance and electrical upgrades.
The community sporting event was given an extra special ‘sprint’ start by local athlete, Kyle Langford, of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers. Kyle is a big sporting talent for Team GB – he narrowly missed out on a Bronze medal in the 800m finals at this year’s World Championships.
Apart from training for the Commonwealth Games coming up in March 2018, Kyle wants to support the cause of encouraging youngsters to engage in sport by spreading the positive message where he can.
Kyle, who grew up in Watford near Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua, says:
“I would definitely recommend kids to pursue a sport. It helps you mentally and physically. Once you get into the routine of a sport like athletics, you start eating healthier and just want to perform better each the time – it becomes addictive.”
Straight after the event Kyle tweeted: “A massive thanks to Barnet Homes… great support for the community and a great event”
The Mayor of Barnet, Brian Salinger, handed out medals and prizes to the lucky winners and also bought his young grandson with him as his escort for the sporting occasion.
The mother of 5-year-old Reon winner of his race and who was Barnet Homes’ Urban Gamez poster child this year, said: “I have so been looking forward to Urban Gamez this year and Reon loves it too, he was so excited to win!”
The sporting event also featured plenty of outdoor activities for residents who weren’t competing – a climbing frame, giant cards, smoothie bike and boxing lesson provided by Middlesex University.