SPORTS-MAD youngsters put their best feet forward as they turned out in force for a day of dance and activity in Ipswich.Nearly 130 children, many from Stoke High School, took part in the second day of the Sports Academy Roadshow, held at Maidenhall Sports Centre.

By Tina Heath

SPORTS-MAD youngsters put their best feet forward as they turned out in force for a day of dance and activity in Ipswich.

Nearly 130 children, many from Stoke High School, took part in the second day of the Sports Academy Roadshow, held at Maidenhall Sports Centre.

Men's world karate bronze medallist Milo Hodge, long jump star Jermaine Bernard and Abby Thorington, who is training to represent Great Britain in the triathlon were on hand to give advice and inspiration.

A fitness work out, hip-hop class by Bootie Dance and mini competition was also on the agenda.

Sports Performance Academy coach Nino Severino said he had been overwhelmed by the response.

"The atmosphere has been really great. It's been good for the kids to meet some professional athletes and a lot of them are about the same age group so they know how the young guys think."

The week-long roadshow, which is being held in association with Ipswich Borough Council's Sports Development Unit and supported by The Evening Star, is designed to encourage youngsters to have fun through sport.

Westbourne High School pupil Ian Buxton, 15, came first in the mini champions of the future competition, a taster of an event to find the fittest male and female in Suffolk.

Runners up were Stoke High School pupils Bethany Illingworth, 14, and Michelle Potter, 13.

The roadshow was pulling up at Whitton Sports Centre from 9.30am to 11.30am today >.