Mayor’s Blog

25 June 2024

East Grinstead – Champions of Europe

As Mayor of East Grinstead, I had the enormous pleasure of witnessing the phenomenal achievements of our young students and their dedicated teachers from Sackville School, who recently returned from the Town Twinning Youth Games—Jeunes sans Frontières (Youth without Borders). This prestigious event held this year in Bourg de Péage, France, brought together youth from our twin towns in Spain, France, Austria, Italy, and Germany for a brilliant four-day competition of sports and fun. This year’s games were particularly special, coinciding with the passage of the Olympic Flame through the town, adding an extra element of once in a lifetime memories.

Our incredible team—students Lizzie, Evie, Hannah, Addy, Freddie, and Lucas, along with their wonderful teachers Mr. Dupoy and Mrs. Plumb —incredible ambassadors for East Grinstead. They fully immersed themselves in the multicultural community that embodies the true spirit of town twinning and cultural exchange. Their conduct was exemplary, their enthusiasm boundless, and their positive energy really contagious.

From the moment they arrived, our students demonstrated a willingness to engage and immerse themselves with peers from different cultures, initiating conversations and forging meaningful connections. The feedback from other delegates was overwhelmingly amazing, all praising the kindness, friendliness and sportsmanship of our team. Hearing such glowing comments filled my heart with joy and reaffirmed the high regard in which our students are held. I could not have been prouder of them all.

The entire town of East Grinstead shares in this immense pride. The achievements of the Sackville team have made our community proud and really highlighted the spirit and value of town twinning. Not forgetting that without our Town Twinning Association this would not have been possible. Their hard work, passion and exemplary conduct are a credit to both the town and their school. They have set a high standard for future delegations, and their success is a testament to the values and standards fostered at Sackville School.

In an age where global connections and understanding are more important than ever, our students have shown that East Grinstead is not just a town of high achievers but also one of compassionate and engaged global citizens. They have truly embodied the spirit of “Youth without Borders,” demonstrating that through sports, friendship, and cultural exchange, we can build a more connected and harmonious world.

As we celebrate our conquerors of Europe, let us also look forward to continuing our tradition of Town Twinning engagement and celebrating the achievements of our young people, in whatever they do, in the months and years to come.

Congratulations to our champions—you have made East Grinstead incredibly proud!