Decision details

To consider the hosting of the International Youth Games in Lancaster District in 2009.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Roger Mace)

The Chief Executive submitted a report that sought agreement for Lancaster City Council to host the International Youth Games in the summer of 2009 and to delegate the arrangements to the Head of Democratic Services and the Head of Cultural Services within the allocated budget. 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:

Option 1 is to hold the Games in the Lancaster District in the summer of 2009.  This would enable the participation of young people from the District and would also maintain the four year cycle established for the Games, providing children of twinned towns the opportunity of visiting the Lancaster District and the experience of living with a local family.

There are risks associated with hosting in the Games in terms of the capacity of the Council to undertake such a resource intensive project and also in terms of the reliance on local sporting organisations and volunteers.  However this was achieved in 2005 and making a decision at this stage enables the project to be well planned in advance and the workload spread as far as possible

Option 2 is not to host the Games in the Lancaster District in 2009.

The risk to the Council of not hosting the Games is in respect of its reputation both with other twinned cities and also with local children who will be expecting the opportunity to take part in Games in their home District.

The Officer preferred option was to host the International Youth Games in the Lancaster District in 2009. The City Council does not participate in many twinning events, and this provides an opportunity to showcase the District to our Twin and Associate Towns and maintain the cultural experience for young people of the area. 

It was moved by Councillor Abbott Bryning and seconded by Councillor Shirley Burns:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.” 

Members then voted as follows.

Resolved Unanimously:

(1)     That the International Youth Games be held in the Lancaster District in the Summer of 2009 and that the arrangements for the Games be delegated to the Head of Democratic Services and the Head of Cultural Services within the budget allocated. 

(2)     That an invitation for four civic delegates to attend from Twin Towns and two Civic Delegates from Associate Towns be extended on behalf of the City Council. 

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive. 

Head of Cultural Services. 

Head of Democratic Services. 

Reason for making the decision:

The International Youth Games are an important part of the City Council’s continued commitment to twinning.   Holding the Games in the Lancaster District provides an opportunity for the area to be showcased to our Twin and Associate Towns, and also allows the opportunity for us to meet with our Civic counterparts and maintain these important relationships.  It also allows children from other countries to experience life in England.