BUILDING on the success of the Waverley Para Games, which for the last three years has grown year on year, Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, has announced the Games is to expand and target more Surrey schools in 2017.

More than that, the annual event will also offer a choice of sports all endorsed by National Governing Sports Bodies and also link to local sports clubs to allow for greater, regular participation in sport by children.

The annual event will once more take place at The Charterhouse Club in Godalming, but move from its usual spring date to the summer – July 7, 2017.

In so doing it will give schools more time to prepare but also make more use of the club’s extensive outdoor facilities (weather permitting).

The event is again being supported by Paralympian Rachel Morris MBE, along with international para dressage rider Erin Orford and others (yet to be announced) athletes.

Last year 150 young SEND students (aged 11 to 14 years) from Surrey schools took part in the Games and it is hoped this year’s event will attract even more athletes and schools from throughout the county.

Jeremy Hunt said: “I am delighted we are in a position to further develop this event which would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of COINS Foundation and The DFN Foundation.

“This year’s event will be bigger and better, with more schools taking part from across the county. We are also giving schools a choice which sports they participate in for the first time to try and broaden the appeal and variety on offer to these young athletes.

“Once again we will be working with Active Surrey who do a fantastic job in coordinating everything to ensure the smooth running of the event on the day.”

Wendy Newton, youth sports development manager at Active Surrey

added: “We are trying to create more participation in sports and activity throughout the year rather than making this one day of sport for these children.

“This is why we have made more of getting a firm commitment from the NGBs and where possible, local sports clubs, to truly get their ‘buy-in’ and help after our event.”

Any schools interested in getting involved can contact Wendy at Active Surrey by sending an email to [email protected].