International Children's Games 2005
The International Children's Games are an integral part of Coventry's youth and cultural exchange programmes. Chairman of the Organising Committee, Councillor John Mutton said:
"Since getting involved with the International Children's Games in 1997, I have seen how the children of Coventry have benefited by sharing experiences and mixing with other children on an international stage. I have also seen how cities benefit from hosting the Games and know that Coventry will reap the benefits of hosting this exciting event on an international scale."
The Games will coincide with the popular international Godiva Festival, the City's annual celebration of the Arts, showcasing music, literature and the thriving cultures of our local communities. Coventry is a city of events, a place where people can come to be entertained, be it with music, theatre, museums or sport. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit Europe's largest Royal Agricultural Show, held during the Games in Coventry.
With a new football stadium, sports arena and rugby stadium, Coventry is investing heavily in its sporting future. The competition will make use of the City's excellent sporting facilities at The University of Warwick, located on the outskirts of Coventry, and the Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre located in the city centre. The University will provide the focus for the Games Village, providing high-quality accommodation, entertainment and training facilities in an Olympic style athlete's village.
Symposium
‘The International Symposium on Child Welfare in Sport' will be held on 8 July 2005 at the University of Warwick in Coventry, alongside the International Children's Games. The Games will be the largest gathering of young sports competitors in the world, with over 50 countries taking part.
The CPSU is a partnership between the NSPCC and Sport England and works with national sport governing bodies. It provides training and resources, and advises organisations on how to introduce child protection policies.
Steve Boocock, director of the CPSU, will make a keynote speech at the event. He said: “Fortunately, the vast majority of children are able to enjoy sporting activities in safety. However, there will be instances when individuals will use sport to gain access to children in order to abuse them. The UK's sporting community has taken this risk very seriously and now, through the work of the CPSU, is the world leader in tackling child abuse in sport.
“Those working with children have a very important role to play in protecting them. Knowing how to spot the signs of abuse and what to do if you have any concerns, will help minimise the risks and keep children safe.”
Traffic Congestion
"We are not expecting any traffic problems in relation to the International Children's Games. Competitors will be hosted on campus and special shuttle bus services will get them to and from venues. The main competition days will be Saturday and Sunday, and whilst we might expect slightly higher volumes of Games related traffic, the fact that it is a weekend should mean that normal traffic levels are lower."
Tom Abbott
You can find out more about the Games at http://www.childrens-games2005.org.uk/
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