Team GB girls set example in first Street Child Games

Three Londoners taking part in a mini Olympics for young people who have experienced homelessness said today they hoped to inspire others to realise their potential.

Team GB members Liya Ngalan, 20, Samantha Smith, 20, and Camille Kelly, 17, are in Rio de Janeiro competing in the first ever Street Child Games.

The tournament aims to challenge perceptions of street children — with up to 60 young people who have been at risk around the world taking part.

The trio, all care leavers from Islington, said the Games are a chance to show others in care what can be achieved if they make the most of any chances.

Ms Ngalan said: “For young people in care there are opportunities but no support or motivation to take them up. We want to show that you can take up opportunities.”

They are competing against other national teams at six track and field events and have also taken part in a UN-style congress on children’s rights at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.

A spokesman for the Games said: “Ahead of the world’s biggest sporting competitions we organise international events inviting street children to be at the centre of the call for their rights.

“We use the power of sport to challenge the negative perceptions and treatment of street children.”

Team GB paid a previous visit to Rio when, before the 2014 World Cup, they took part in a football tournament for young people from 20 countries who had lived on the streets.

Both events were organised by UK charity Street Child United.

Ms Ngalan said: “A lot has happened in those two years. After I came back, I decided I wanted to be a human rights lawyer and now I am studying law at university. I want to help children who are less fortunate than us to have social security and the safety net we have.”

Ms Smith said: “It’s great to be back in this beautiful city and meet all our friends from the event two years ago.”