Shelbourne Motors are proud to be sponsoring the Ulster youth cycling team will be participating in the Sainsbury's UK School Games in Sheffield later this month.  The event is a multi-sport event for the UK's elite young athletes of school age.

The sports programme will include off road cycling (replacing road cycling from the 2010 programme) and two new sports which combined with the existing programme of Athletics, Badminton, Fencing, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis and Volleyball gives a total to twelve sports. There is an integrated programme of disability events (physical and learning disabilities) in Athletics, Swimming and Table Tennis resulting in a projected 1600 competing athletes.

Photo Caption (left to right): Joseph Baird, David Montgomery, Richard Ward (Director at Shelbourne Motors), Christopher Oakley, James Curry, Nicola Oldham (team manager) and Simon Curry (team coach).

Each of the twelve sports is combined into a four-day Games environment designed to replicate the feel of major event such as the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

“The Sainsbury's UK School Games seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting which not only provides our elite young sports people to thrive and perform at the highest levels but encourages them to take part and succeed in sport” comments Nicola Oldham team manager.

Responsibility for the development and organisation of the Sainsbury's UK School Games lies with the Youth Sport Trust.

“We are delighted to get involved with the Ulsterteam and help with their preparations and travel arrangements”, comments Richard Ward Shelbourne Director. The event is a fantastic opportunity for young people to compete with other schools and colleges around theUKin an Olympic type event. I and the rest of the team at Shelbourne Motors would like to wish them every success at the forthcoming event”.

There are six key themes underlying the Sainsbury's UK School Games to help ensure that they bring about systematic change in the way in which competitive opportunities are developed for young people and that a lasting legacy is created.

Darren Campbell, Olympic champion and an ambassador for the games has stated “This is the closest experience these youngsters are going to get to what it would be like to take part in major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics. It's a great opportunity for 1,600 young people to live together and get the feeling of what it is like to compete at the highest level as athletes. There is an opening and a closing ceremony but the bonus is they all have access to athlete mentors who have been to big championships before and who can give them good advice. Sainsbury's backing has added a new dimension to the event. They are looking after the cultural side of things, and educating youngsters about their nutrition."

The team was selected by Cycling Ulster and was based primarily on performance in the National Youth Series events, but Team Managers also took into account other performances. To be eligible to compete, the riders had to hold a racing license and be a member of cyclingUlster. The four selected are David Montgomery, James Curry and Joseph Baird from Banbridge Cycling Club and Christopher Oakley a member of XMTB,Belfast. The team manager is Nicola Oldham and team coach is Simon Curry.

There are a total of  be thirteen teams representing England North East, England North West, England Yorkshire, England East Midlands, England West Midlands, England Eastern, England Central, England South East, England South West, England South, Scotland, Ulster and Wales.

The Ulster cycling team have been very kindly sponsored by Shelbourne Motors.