Hackney Marshes played host to the London Youth Games’ 2016 ParaGames football tournament on Tuesday afternoon.
The tournament saw young people with disabilities battle it out for the title, with both a girls’ and a boys’ competition to crown the best borough in London.
And it was nailbiting stuff in the boys’ competition, with Greenwich edging a tightly-fought contest against Croydon 3-2 on penalties, with Hackney placing a respectable 5th in the standings.
Meanwhile, the girls’ tournament saw Newham grind out a hard fought 1-0 win against Ealing, despite being one player short for the whole tournament. Hackney finished 13th in the girls’ event.
Eighteen of London’s 32 boroughs took part in the girls’ event, and 24 took part in the boys’, with ages ranging from Years 6 to 10.
“It feels fabulous to win the ParaGames Football competition – it was great fun,” said Beyonce Quadros, captain of the victorious Newham team.
The games are hosted for young disabled people across London. To qualify, young people need to either live or go to school in the borough they are representing.
London Youth Games Foundation CEO John Hughes said: “Our programmes and competitions throughout the year are a great way for the participants to meet fellow players from around London and enjoy a day of sport. Representing their borough in a pan-London event is hugely exciting and an honour for our participants.”
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