1500 children will compete in the 2008 UK School Games which will be held at four venues around the city from 28th to 31st August and will replicate a major adult multi-sport competition with an opening and closing ceremony plus an athlete’s village.
Alongside the new sport, competition will take place in badminton, judo, volleyball, athletics, fencing, gymnastics, swimming and table tennis, with disability events in athletics, swimming and table tennis also included.
Selection by governing bodies will take place over the next few months, with the very best of youth sport competing at the first class venues across the region, which were also unveiled today.
 
Jason Gardener, Olympic champion, hailed the opportunity available for young sports competitors to excel:

 “I am proud that the UK School Games will be held in my home region in 2008 and I’m looking forward to what will be a hugely successful event. It represents a fantastic opportunity for the best young competitors to gain invaluable experience of future multi-sport competitions and I hope all those welcomed to Bristol and Bath in August will seize the opportunity to compete to the very best of their ability in fair and good-spirited competition. I don’t think you can under-estimate the importance in getting used to this kind of event from an early age and the boost it can give you to go on and excel in future international competition.”

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