24 August 2007
The UK School Games, which opened in Coventry last night, can be a "springboard" for future champions, the PM has said.
In a joint statement with athletes Kelly Holmes and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Gordon Brown said he was looking forward to seeing "future Para Olympians and Olympians for team Great Britain" at the three-day competition.
They said:
"Spectators will be in for a thrilling time. Not just watching world-class sporting skill, but getting to see the UK’s future elite athletes. They may even see a London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic medal winner. The UK School Games are the perfect springboard for young people wanting to pursue a sporting future."
The games event is a key part of the Government’s new £100 million investment to provide children with the chance to take part in five hours of sport a week, with opportunities both inside and outside of school. It is taking place in Coventry from 23 to 26 August and will feature events in athletics, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, judo, swimming, table tennis and volleyball as well as disability events in swimming, athletics and tennis.
More than 1,000 of the top sports men and women of school age in the country are due to compete over the next few days, with many more volunteering as judges, referees and umpires.
Image copyright: Reuters
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