The Upper Hunter team of athletes have returned from the prestigious International Children’s Games in Lake Macquarie with smiles on their faces, new personal best achievements and medals to be proud of.

The team of 28 young athletes aged from 12 to 15 years competed against other children from across the globe at the games which were held at the Speers Point Park last week, the first time the event has ever been held in the Southern Hemisphere. 

More than 1500 athletes from 30 countries converged on the region for the games with the Upper Hunter team consisting of swimmers, runners, soccer players and golfers. 

Not only did they experience the thrill of competing in such an exciting and competitive environment, the youngsters also experienced the opening and closing ceremonies and had the chance to meet new friends from across the world.

One of the athletes, Indyana Taylor, said the games were an amazing opportunity that she will remember for the rest of her life. 

“I had so much fun meeting people from all over the world. 

“I was proud to represent the Upper Hunter and Australia and was so excited to achieve personal best times in my four events,” she said. 

“Achieving the NSW Country Championship qualifying time for the 13 and 14-year-old 50 metres backstroke was a highlight of the week.”

Each and every athlete could return home proud of their efforts, which was assisted by the volunteer coaches, parents and helpers who made it all possible. 

Upper Hunter Shire Council sports participation officer Nicky Western thanked all of these people, as well as the council, Zoe Harper for her fundraising efforts and the Scone Swimming Club for their financial support. 

Western said parents had put in a lot of effort driving backwards and forwards to support the team throughout the event and the mayor even turned up, which made the team feel very special. 

“The athletes themselves embraced the experience and made lots of friends with athletes from different countries,” Western said.  

“Everyone outdid themselves achieving personal bests. 

“Just one example of the spirit of the event was the Upper Hunter water polo girls who had never played water polo but the games were short a team and they dived in, did their best and smiled and congratulated the other team at the end. 

“They were true ambassadors for the Upper Hunter,” she said. 

“None of it would have been possible without the support of council as we wouldn’t have gone if they hadn’t been behind it, now we will be invited to send teams to future games in other         countries.”

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Michael Johnsen commended the children on their performances and achievements, as he was able to witness their efforts first hand at the games. 

He said the young team had an inspiring, fun and educational adventure competing in the large sporting event.

“Seeing the Upper Hunter team doing their best in their sports and being part of such a big event, I was bursting with pride,” he said.