Pupils on track for Schools Olympics

Children taking part in the first full contest in 2012 will get the chance to use the Olympic facilities and successful schools will be able to fly the five rings of the Games logo.

A smaller pilot competition will be run next year, with children in North Yorkshire among those invited to take part.

The Government hopes the initiative will lead to a revival of competitive sport in schools.

Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Win or lose, competitive sport teaches children important life lessons – in commitment, discipline and teamwork. Our new Schools Olympics will spark a revolution in school sport, and leave a lasting legacy from London’s Games.

“Schools in the pilot areas will help us develop a nationwide competition. We want to involve as many schools and young people as possible, so that children of all abilities and ages are able to take part and strive to be the best that they can be.”

Children in nine areas, including North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, will take part in a pilot contest in 2011 before the first national Schools Olym-pics in 2012, to tie in with the Games in London.

They will compete initially in 11 sports, and finals in 2012 will be held in the Olympic Park in east London, complete with formal opening and closing ceremonies and the presentation of medals.

Schools will compete against each other in leagues at a local level, with winning athletes and teams qualifying for area finals. There will also be a Paralympic element for children with disabilities.

The scheme has been backed by famous sporting names including former England footballer Ian Wright, Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings and Olympic gold medal-winning rower James Cracknell.