Youngsters strike gold in sporting competition

6th February 2017

A group of budding sports stars have won gold in a special competition to encourage young people to take part in sport and physical activity.

The youngsters came out on top in SIV's the 'Search for a Star' competition, which invited people aged between five and 16 years old to showcase their skills by submitting a two-minute video of them taking part in their favourite sport. The 10 winners are now enjoying a year's free coaching in their chosen sport. As part of the scholarship the children also receive a year's free Junior Membership, allowing them unlimited access to Fitness Unlimited swimming pools and fitness suites, free access to Altitude High Ropes Course and a number of discounts on activities that encourage children to lead active lifestyles. The lucky gold winners were Seth Charles (9), Frances Heath (12), Rayyan and Adyan Chowdury (8), Amelia Davison (6), Summer Rose Muffett (5), Lola Lingard-Talbot (9), Hamza Tanveer (5), Luke Digby (15) and Josh Constantine (11). The winners were chosen by a judging panel of sports personalities, Paralympic Bronze Medalist Ross Wilson, who were impressed by their abilities and their dedication to their chosen sport. Seth stood out for his running abilities, Frances is a keen boxer, whilst Rayyan and Adyan impressed on the football pitch and Luke showed real promise on the ice. Meanwhile, Amelia showcased her gymnastic skills, Lola her martial arts moves, Hamza made a splash in the swimming pool and Josh took to the trampoline. Finally, Summer Rose Muffett, aged just five years old, impressed the judges with her ice-skating skills. Her mum, Kristy Muffett, said: -We're so happy that Summer is one of the lucky gold winners. She absolutely loves ice-skating and started when she was just four years old. Summer has attended coaching sessions at iceSheffield for more than a year and will now enjoy a years' worth of training as part of her prize. Kristy added: -The whole family are so proud of her and we would like to say thanks to SIV for making this happen. SIV have an established coaching programme in a range of sports that has helped to shape the career of Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, and now they hope to nurture and develop Sheffield's next generation of Olympic sporting stars. The competition saw a total of 77 entries across 12 sports; athletics, diving, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, netball, football, judo, taekwondo and boxing. Silver and bronze medals will also be awarded to around 60 young people - silver medallists scooping a free six-week block of coaching and bronze medallists receiving a free SIV day pass. Steve Brailey, chief executive of SIV, said: -At SIV we are committed to ensuring we give the young generation the chance to have access to sport and physical activity to encourage them to get involved. -The benefits of taking part in sports are huge. Not only does it improve general health and wellbeing, but it can also increase confidence and self-esteem, which can have a hugely positive impact on a young person's life. -I'd like to say congratulations to the winners and all those who entered 'Search for a Star' and we look forward to seeing them using our facilities to enjoy their favourite sports. Featured image: Summer Rose was one of the lucky winners of SIV's Search for a Star competition. For more information about the sports available for young people at SIV, visit www.siv.org.uk