2012 International Youth Sports Festival

On your marks, get set

The 2012 International Youth Sport Festival was hosted in Bury between 21 and 24 June 2012.  The festival took place with only one month to go to the London 2012 Games and on the same weekend that the Olympic Torch Relay passed through Bury on Saturday 23 June.  Over 500 young people under the aged 13 to 16 participated in the festival which is now in its 20th year.  Bury has taken part in the festival since 2002.

Hosting this international event during the year of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games presented us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our town as well as the sporting talent of our youngsters. 

The following towns competed against local sportspersons in an action-packed four day event organised by Bury Sport and Physical Activity Service in partnership with Bury Twinning Association:

• Angouleme and Tulle in France;
• Dueville in Italy;
• Lousada in Portugal;
• Schorndorf in Germany.  

The format of proceedings was similar to that of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The festival was launched in grand style with an impressive official opening ceremony on the evening of Thursday 21 June at St John's Square, The Rock, Bury.  For full details download the programme of events from the right-hand side of this web page.  

The main sporting competitions took place on Friday 22 June covering a diverse range of sports which will were hosted at various venues throughout the borough.  The Country Cohesion Games followed on the morning of  Saturday 23 June which was when teams were mixed-up to compete against each other.  This aspect of the Festival was awarded the prestigious Inspire Mark. 

The festival ended with a celebratory closing ceremony for participants and teams.

Throughout the festival there were many spectating opportunities with an art and culture programme running alongside the main sporting events.  Musicians and artists local to Bury as well as from the participating towns showcased their best work to the public in Bury's theatre, art gallery and museums. 

Volunteering opportunities

Bury Sport and Physical Activity Service would like to thank all the volunteers that put themselves forward to help deliver a successful sports festival in Bury.  Without them the festival would not have been possible.  

If you are interested in future volunteering opportunities in Bury please see the link on the right hand side of this web page. 

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