Matthew shows off his skills to shoppers ahead of Games
Matthew Lightbody, 15, from Lisburn, who has already scooped gold medals in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events at the Carlton Youth International in Holland, visited Sainsbury’s as part of the Show your Support campaign, which encourages communities to get behind young athletes as they compete in the national competition next month.
The Sainsbury’s School Games is renowned for nurturing some of the UK’s best young sporting talent, with former School Games stars claiming 84 prestigious medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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Hide AdThis year’s event takes place in Manchester with young athletes from around the country taking part in the multi-sport event, that includes twelve disciplines including wheelchair basketball, a full athletics programme, swimming, badminton and more.
Matthew Lightbody, said: “The Sainsbury’s School Games is just a few weeks away so training is very intense at the moment, but it is great to take a break today to do something a bit more light-hearted. The Commonwealth Games have created a real buzz around sport, and hopefully this will help inspire local communities to get behind their local athletes ahead of our big competition in Manchester.”
Clare Clarke, from Sainsbury’s in Sprucefield, said: “It’s not every day that our customers pick up their shopping and see a local sporting star in action so I’m delighted to welcome Matthew into the store. We’ll certainly be tweeting our messages of support for him and the team ahead of the competition, and would urge local people to get behind them as well.”
To support athletes tweet your message using #2014SSG or leave a message on the website: www.2014schoolgames.com/support