Video: Sheffield stages UK School Games

MORE THAN 1,500 young athletes are in Sheffield today as the UK School Games gets under way with a spectacular opening ceremony.

The youngsters will take part in 12 sports at seven venues across the city during the four-day competition, which will feature appearances from Olympic and Paralympic athletes including gold medallist Jason Gardener.

Double Beijing 2008 Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds declared the games open by running the final leg of the UK School Games relay, which has been taking place in the run-up to the event.

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Sports will be staged at the Abbeydale Sports Ground, Don Valley Stadium, the English Institute of Sport and iceSheffield, as well as Wharncliffe and Wheata Woods and Ponds Forge.

The young athletes will stay at Sheffield University accommodation and be mentored by elite sportsmen and women.

Sports include badminton, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, table tennis and volleyball.

Funding for the games is provided by the National Lottery and Legacy Trust UK.