AT a time when young people often feature in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, it is fitting and appropriate to heap praise on a group of youngsters who met at the new Manchester swimming complex on Saturday to take part in the Greater Manchester Youth Games water polo event.

The young people representing Bury borough were a credit to the sport and its ethos, to the town and also to themselves. They conducted themselves with honesty and dignity, some of them experiencing competition in front of hundreds of spectators for the first time. To add to this the Bury team complimented each of their opposition, even in defeat.

As a spectator and parent, I feel it bodes well for the future of "our children" for them to experience such events, especially when "social integration" is such an integral part of their personal development. Can I also take this opportunity to mention the organisers of this annual sporting event. Their commitment throughout the year was exemplified by the way in which the events unfolded on Saturday. They, too, are a credit to their respective communities.

Regardless of the results, sport and sportsmanship are the real victors. If as parents or adults we can channel the energies of our young people into such activity, then we stand a chance of avoiding negative images in our regional or national press.

Finally, I would personally like to convey my gratitude to Neil McCheyne and the Sports Development Team at Castle Leisure Centre for their time and input over the past few months. These are the people who should be recognised and honoured.

PETER GREENHALGH,

Britain Street, Bury.