A GROUP of young Coventry athletes and swimmers who recently competed in the International Children’s Games (ICG) in Russia have been praised for their efforts in representing the city.
The Lord Mayor Councillor Linda Bigham and Coun John Mutton, chair of the Coventry International Games Committee, presented each athlete with an ICG certificate at a special ceremony on Friday (August 30).
This year’s games was the 53rd year of holding the event, which took place in Ufa, Russia.
Coventry was one of the 90 cities taking part in the annual sporting event.
The team competed against more than 1,500 children from around the world.
Eighteen Coventry athletes and swimmers, aged 12 to 15, took part in the annual event.
The 53rd ICG featured athletics, swimming, football, basketball, table tennis, sailing, judo and beach volleyball.
The games were originally set up to develop cultural relations between cities, and friendships between children of different nationalities.
Coun Mutton said: “As always, I am so proud of the Coventry team at this year’s games.
“After being involved in the Games for 23 years I never fail to be amazed by their hard work and commitment, not only to the city, but to their sports too.
“Coventry has been represented for many years at the games and I am pleased we got the opportunity to do this again during our year as European City of Sport.
“The young athletes did a fantastic job in Russia. I hope they all continue to work hard in their sports and wish them luck in their sporting futures.”
The ICG was founded in 1968 and it has become the world’s largest international multi-sport youth games and is a recognised member of the International Olympic Committee.