CONGRATULATIONS to the Hounslow team who won a gold medal in Netball at the London Youth Games (LYG) 2021 West Regional Hub Day on Saturday 28 August.

Hounslow won four games, drew one and lost one to take the top spot ahead of host borough Hillingdon, who finished second, then Ealing, who finished third, and Westminster who came in fourth.

Hounslow's Team Manager Nina Bardowel told LYG: "It was an incredible performance from the girls. It's the first time we've won gold, we've won a silver and a bronze before.

"It's been a little bit different this year due to Covid but the commitment was 100% and I think that helped."

The games marked the first regionalised event run by the charity London Youth Games, who work with boroughs to encourage young people to take part in sports.

They do this by linking up with local authorities, who then go about forming teams, usually through a council staff member who reaches out to local schools and clubs.

They may ask people to nominate young budding sports players to take part in trials or come to practices.

John Burton, head of operations and events at LYG, who attended the games, said: "There was a really great atmosphere, especially for the Netball, the team managers and parents involved with the sport really brought an exciting vibe and it's so good to see young people back and seeing everyone all come together.

"We are very fortunate to have some great partners and funding and they are able to give the young people a memorable token of their participation in the game."

Hefty gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to each player.

There was also a Respect the Games award, where boroughs nominate each other for the team that best exemplifies the London Youth Games values of Fairness, Ambition, Inclusion and Respect.

Westminster won for the Netball and Football competitions.

Burton said this award is to highlight that the focus should not be about winning, but about making sure anyone can compete.

There will be two more regional events taking place this year, the next being the East Hub day at Redbridge sport centre, 11 - 12 September, and then the Central Hub event at Barnes Elms sport centre, 18 - 19 September.