The MYG programme is a multi-sport programme open to all children, irrespective of race, gender or ability. It is not just a series of competitions but a positive, valuable, enjoyable and safe environment for all involved, designed to promote and encourage lifelong participation in sport and healthy lifestyles. The scheme is organised by Medway Council's Sports Development Team and the games are designed to set positive examples of fair play and respect through the medium of sport.

The Mini Youth Games:

• encourage a fit and healthy lifestyle;
• improve social and communication skills and teamwork;
• encourage children to develop and learn physical skills;
• teach children important life skills;
• provide safe and fun activities for participation;
• emphasise fair play above winning.

Mini Youth Games events 2006/07

• Term 1, Hockey at Holcombe Hockey Club on 20 September 2006
• Term 1, Netball at Rainham School for Girls Netball Pavilion on 4 October 2006
• Term 2, Tag Rugby at Sir Joseph Williamsons Mathematical School on 7 November 2006
• Term 3, Swimming at the Black Lion leisure complex on 1 February 2007
• Term 4, Table Tennis at the Howard School Table Tennis Centre on 7 March 2007
• Term 4, Basketball at the Black Lion leisure complex on 27 March 2007
• Term 5, Tennis at the Stirling Centre on 8 May 2007
• Term 6, Kwik Cricket at Lordswood Cricket Club on 13 June 2007
• Term 6, Athletics at Deangate Ridge Athletics Track on 4 July 2007

In 2006/07, 56 schools entered the various events, an amazing achievement considering there are 63 primary and junior schools in Medway. This means that around 2,320 primary pupils participated in the excitement of the Mini Youth Games.

The Sports Development Team is very grateful for the Medway Messenger's sponsorship. Spokesperson Tina Martin said: “This has been vital to run the programme and to keep the high profile of the programme but also to improve it in many ways.

"The Medway Messenger has been very supportive in the amount of coverage that we have had in the newspaper, and hopefully many of you have seen your photos in there. We are also delighted to announce that the Medway Messenger has agreed to continue its sponsorship into 2007/08.”

The Sports Development Team is keen to hear from local businesses interested in supporting the games. From prizes and trophies to equipment and schools coaching, there are many ways to get involved.

The Sports Development Team would also like to thank all the schools, staff and parents who supported MYG 2006/07 and give special thanks to all the organisations, clubs, schools and volunteers that supported the various events, including:

• Anchorians Hockey Club,
• Chatham Table Tennis Club,
• Holcombe Hockey Club,
• Howard Table Tennis Centre,
• Lordswood Cricket Club,
• Medway Mavericks Junior Basketball Club,
• Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club,
• Medway District Cricket Development Group,
• Medway leisure facilities,
• Medway Junior Netball League,
• Medway Rugby Football Club,
• Mid Kent College,
• Rainham School for Girl’s Netball Centre,
• Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School,
• Stirling Tennis Club,
• Greenacre School Sport Partnership,
• The Howard School Sport Partnership.

Without this vast network of volunteers, the games could not continue to be offered free of charge to Medway schools.

The tables below show the top 10 final overall positions for the Mini Youth Games 2006/07 series, including the top 10 overall Fair Play standings and the top 10 overall Best Placed Small School.

Overall MYG positions 2006/07

• Fairview
• St Margaret's
• Hempstead
• Sherwin Knight
• Featherby
• Balfour
• Allhallows
• Hilltop
• St Augustine of Canterbury
• Wainscott

Overall Fair Play 2006/07

• Hoo St Werburgh
• Miers Court
• St Margaret's
• Kingfisher
• Chattenden
• Featherby
• St Augustine of Canterbury
• Allhallows
• Hilltop
• All Saints

Overall Best Placed Small School 2006/07

• Allhallows
• St Augustine of Canterbury
• Wainscott
• St Andrews
• Walderslade
• Chattenden
• English Martyrs
• Kingfisher
• Deanwood
• Riverside