The four-day event, which took place at various world class venues across Glasgow, gave talented youngsters from across the UK a chance to compete at the highest level. And with opening and closing ceremonies and an athletes' village - topped off with some valuable words of advice from Britain's multiple Olympic gold medallists Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Steve Redgrave - the youngsters experienced a set up usually found at senior elite international events such as the Olympics Games or Paralympic Games.

Over 1,000 talented young athletes took part in five sports - athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis and fencing, with disability events in athletics and swimming. Television cameras filmed the action, providing many youngsters with a taste of competing under a variety of pressures.

Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust was delighted with the event, and praised the hard work and support of the volunteers, officials and spectators.

"We are thrilled at the success of this inaugural UK School Games and the level of competition across the five sports has been quite incredible.

"The Glasgow Games have signalled the beginning of a very bright future for competitive school sport across the country, will live long in the memory, and will act as an inspiration for next year and beyond."

The young athletes were equally impressed with the event - table tennis double gold medallist Kelly Sibley from the West Midlands particularly enjoyed the opportunity to mix with youngsters from other sports. She said:

"It is amazing to be the champion at such a major, new event. To see all the other sports at UK School Games, some of which I don't know that much about, and to learn from them is excellent"

In the pool South West swimmer Xavier Mohammed stormed to victory in the 200metres backstroke - inspired by the words of advice from Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Steve Redgrave. He said:

"The UK School Games has been a fantastic event and a huge boost as I move towards my goal of becoming Olympic champion. The speeches given by Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes over the past couple of days have been so inspirational."

West Midlands athlete Nathan Woodward set a new British Under 17 record as he took gold in the 400m hurdles. The 16-year-old relished the chance to mix with fellow athletes from across the country.

He said:

"It's been a fantastic event. Before we arrived, we were all wondering what it was going to be like but after the opening ceremony and being with all the guys from the other events it has been amazing. It's also great to be able to compete against the best in the country."

Double UK School Games gymnastics gold medallist Reiss Beckford was equally impressed by the event:

"It was a great competition here in Glasgow and it's fantastic to be the first ever champion of the UK School Games. I've really enjoyed seeing all the different sports and I've made some great friends."

Fencing star Laura Delaney, who took gold in the women's foil, praised the event:

"The UK School Games has been fantastic and so well organised. It is great for fencing to be included and for the fencers to compete alongside all the other excellent athletes. I have never experienced anything like this before with the medal ceremonies and meeting people like Sir Steve Redgrave and Cherie Blair."

The event came to a spectacular close at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre with the announcement that Coventry will host the 2007 Games and the handing over of the UK School Games flag. There's no doubt these four days in Glasgow have laid strong foundations for the event as it grows in years to come.