Following a really successful competition held among local schools in the Swale and surrounding areas across the county, the new nickname for Kent Speedway's National League [NL] team has been chosen.
Eight schools took part with over 60 different names suggested - ranging from the 'Wondrous' to the 'Descent', from 'Jesters' to 'Knaves' and many other suggestions in between! It was certainly a difficult choice for the voting panel of co-promoters Len Silver and Chris Hunt, the club's Development Manager John Sampford (who'll be managing the NL side); and from the NL side's naming sponsors Iwade Garage, Si Kellow and the naming competition sponsor, Ian Hyland of Specsavers Tunbridge Wells.
Their decision was that the winning name is 'Royals' - with the crowning glory for this name going to Newington Primary School. The winning school win £200 cash and complimentary tickets for a party to attend one of the Speedway meetings at Central Park when the 2020 season gets underway in April.
There were prizes of complimentary tickets awarded for second and third places - runner up going to Joy Lane Primary School, Whitstable for 'Kingsmen' and there was a tie for third as both Lower Halstow School and Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School suggested 'Cobras'.
Congratulations go to Newington's Head Teacher Simon Kraftt and the pupils for their winning name and thanks go to all the children/students from all the schools who took part for so enthusiastically and imaginatively taking part in this competition.
The Kent 'Iwade Garage' Royals set out on their crusade to reign in the NL in April - with the opening team match at Central Park on Easter Monday (4pm start time) 13th. April seeing them take on the 2019 NL champs, Leicester Lion Cubs.