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Youngsters take part in national athletic initative
KIDS from North Tyneside took part in an event in Gateshead last week hoping to be the Paralympians of the future.
Fifteen disabled children were at Gateshead Stadium last week as part of a national initiative designed to identify and nurture young people with the potential to be elite athletes and performers.
At the 'Playground to Podium' event, the young athletes took part in athletics, boccia, football, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.
Those identified as having the necessary level of skill and ability will be given the opportunity to progress along the pathway to becoming a Paralympian.
David Marrin, Tyne and Wear Sport assistant director said: "The event was a great success. All of the participants seemed to enjoy the day and a number of them were identified as having the potential to become high level performers.
"We have had an extremely positive response from the sports that were represented today and hopefully we might see one or two of today's participants at the London 2012 Paralympics.
"It is also just as important that those who took part have been motivated and inspired enough to continue their involvement in activities at any level so that they can enjoy many of the benefits that come from being active."
One of the parents from Wallsend who attended to see her son take part said: "It's been a lovely day.
"My son really enjoys being active and the event has given him the chance to take part in a number of different sports. If something like this helps him to take part regularly at a club and reach his full potential in sport then it's great for him."
The young people taking part were selected by school sport co-ordinators and PE teachers in their schools having shown higher ability in PE and sport.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
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Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
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