Issa Batrane will join thousands of youngsters at the event.
A 17-year-old volleyball player from Kingston is delighted to have been selected to represent England South at the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games.
Issa Batrane will join thousands of future sports stars competing across 12 sports at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport this September.
The Hollyfield School pupil will have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his sporting heroes and experience what it is like to compete in a major multi-sport event.
Issa has also been named captain for England South and is hoping he can lead his team to a win.
“I am over the moon and so over whelmed by my selection for the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games,” she said. “I can’t wait for the Games to begin; it will be the greatest honour in my career to date. The atmosphere at the whole event will be amazing.
“As captain I hope to lead my team to a win but I am also looking to be one of the ‘Super Six’ players of the tournament.”
Top GB athletes including paralympic gold medallists Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and Ellie Simmonds and sprinter Adam Gemilli have all competed at the high profile event before going on to achieve sporting success.
Alongside the competing athletes, there will be around 400 budding volunteers under 25 years old to help bring the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games to life for the young athletes, along with thousands of spectators.
Sainsbury’s Active Kids ambassador, David Beckham congratulated Issa on his acheivement.
“Issa should be incredibly proud of being selected to compete in the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games,” he said.
“To be given the chance to compete in a multi-sport event and experience a major sporting occasion like this is a huge opportunity for these young people. I wish everyone the best of luck and encourage them to enjoy every minute.”
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Maria Miller said that the competition gives young people of all abilities the chance to get involved in a variety of sports.
“Many congratulations to all those who have been selected to take part in this year’s finals, the very best of luck and I’m sure we will discover some sporting stars to look out for in the future,” she said.
The Sainsbury’s School Games is set across four levels with the Sheffield event providing the top tier of sporting competition. Across the year young people also compete in a range of sport at class-v-class, school-v-school and in county wide sport festivals.
To find out more about the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games visit: www.2013schoolgames.com.
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