London Youth Games in full swing

Tens of thousands of young people are making their sporting dreams come true at this year’s Balfour Beatty London Youth Games, supported by Sport England.

Like so much of what’s good in community sport, the games’ success is down to strong teamwork between local councils, sports governing bodies and many other partners.

Among those bidding for glory at next weekend’s climax of the event is record-breaking weightlifter, Zoe Smith, who hopes to follow her appearance at the games by competing for England at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in the Autumn.

“This will be my fourth year at the London Youth Games,” said the 16-year-old, who will be representing Greenwich at the event. “I competed in the gymnastics in 2007 before I was asked to try out for the weightlifting team by my club Europa. I said I’d have a go and it turned out I was pretty good. The London Youth Games is like home for me.

“It’s a special place because that is where it all started. I was ok at gymnastics, but I had never imagined myself competing in international sport like I am now. That all started at the London Youth Games.”

Zoe is by no means the first sporting star to take part. Former participants at the Youth Games include 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold medallists Christine Ohuruogu (athletics), Bradley Wiggins (cycling) and Mark Hunter (rowing).

While next weekend’s competition at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is the culmination of the 2010 season, more than 20 competition days have already taken place. Bexley are holding a narrow lead over Greenwich and Hillingdon in the standings so far.

Russell Findlay, Chief Executive, London Youth Games said: “The London Youth Games are the catalyst of competitive sport for around 50,000 young people in the Olympic and Paralympic host city.

“We deliver an event that not only encourages young people to take part in sport, but motivates them to continue in sport. As well as delivering an inspiring event, the London Youth Games works closely with 26 sports national governing bodies to ensure every single competition is relevant and appropriate for each age-group.”

Sport England’s investment of £1.26 million has helped the event to reach more and more youngsters each year since 2005. In 2009, around 47,000 people representing all 33 London boroughs took part in 30 sports and this year organisers are confident even more people will take part.

"For many young people, sport is about having fun and enjoying the experience of taking part,” said Hannah Bladen, Sport England's Regional Lead for London. “But for some, the chance to compete at a higher level gives an even greater buzz - and is where sporting careers are kick-started.

“The London Youth Games is a fantastic force for increasing participation in competitive sport and a showcase for the young sporting talent the capital has to offer."