OnSide celebrates biggest ever President’s Cup

Over 400 young people from across the country descended on Wigan Youth Zone at the weekend for OnSide’s biggest ever President’s Cup.

Young people from across the OnSide network came together to compete in sports and arts challenges on what was another amazing day.

In total, 14 Youth Zones were represented across 12 teams – with Future Youth Zone entering their own team for the first time, while Unitas Youth Zone, Legacy Youth Zone and Hammersmith and Fulham Youth Zone made up team London.

The competition is held annually and this year it was last year’s winners Wigan who hosted the extravaganza.

Activities including wheelchair basketball, hockey, climbing, dancing and arts. While the event is a competition though, the shining factor of the day is always the way young people from different communities come together to make new friends and enjoy themselves in a brilliant and safe environment with a spectacular atmosphere.

The competition did have to have a winner though and, for the second time in three years, it was The Way Youth Zone who took home the main prize, as well as the Senior and Junior competition trophies.

The Hive took home the Bill Holroyd Fair Play Award, while hosts Wigan Youth Zone won the Inclusion competition which saw dozens of young people with additional needs take part. Debutants Future Youth Zone won the incredible dance off which closed the show.

The event would not be possible were it not for the incredible support of Mahdlo President Sir Norman Stoller CBE KStJ DL whose incredible backing continues to inspire and benefit so many young people.

Sir Norman said: “What a fantastic day it has been. The seventh President’s Cup, the biggest of the lot, so many young people enjoying themselves with fabulous hospitality by Wigan. Just listen to the noise and look at the faces, this could not have been better – well done to everyone involved!”

Wigan Youth Zone executive director Anthony Ashworth-Steen said: “It is a great honour for Wigan Youth Zone to be hosting the President’s Cup for the second time in the seven years that the competition has been running and to be welcoming hundreds of young people from across the country from Carlisle to London.

“The President’s Cup is the only regular annual event which brings young people together from across the OnSide Youth Zone network and is a firm favourite for the young people who have the chance to compete, have fun and socialise with peers from different background to share a unique experience.”