THE sixth Southampton Airport Hampshire Youth Games were voted the best ever at the weekend.

Almost 2,000 youngsters from across the county converged on the military sports facilities in Aldershot in a carnival atmosphere of sport.

It was certainly the taking part that was all-important, not the end result.

The county also staged their first ever Parallel Games on the Friday for youngsters with learning and physical disabilities.

Local authorities from across Hampshire selected their sporting teams to represent them in what has become the biggest youth sports festival in the county.

Organiser Sharon Hall said: "It's all been a tremendous success.

"Everyone has enjoyed themselves, and the weather on the Saturday was fantastic."

Hall insists the event has the capacity to become even bigger and better.

"Not all the local authorities entered teams in all the events," she said. "So there is always room for further improvements next year."

Former Olympic athlete Jon Ridgeon was one of the chief guests at the event.

He remarked: "Sport is such a great vehicle for pulling people together.

"This event brings people from all walks of life together - it crosses the boundaries of religion, race and class, that's why it is so special, that's why I hope it continues for a very long time."

Over the next eight pages, the Daily Echo presents a pictorial round-up capturing the spirit of the Hampshire Youth Games - one of enjoyment, of fun, of smiling faces, of exploring the superb world of sport ...

See today's Daily Echo for more reports and pictures from the Hampshire Youth Games.