The former world indoor champion and four times European indoor gold medallist, who will hang up his spikes at the end of this season, gave his support to this unique multi-sport event for the best children of school age.

Athletics is just one of eight sports involved in the UK School Games which will see 1300 children in competition at five venues across the West Midlands city over the next few days.

The Games begin with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Skydome Arena tomorrow evening and finish with a closing ceremony at Warwick University on Sunday night.

The young competitors will stay in an athletes' village and the event will be broadcast on Channel 4 from 8am to 9am on Sunday 16th and 23rd September.

Gardener said: "I've had a fantastic career in athletics and as I prepare to retire I am delighted to be giving my support to the next generation of British sporting talent at the UK School Games. I'd like to encourage all the competitors and young volunteers involved in the event this week to take as much as they can from the experience and enjoy the competition.

"Most of the young people at this event will already have started learning about the hard work and sacrifice it takes to be the best at sport. The UK School Games is an opportunity for them to show what they can do and will give them a taste of the excitement and challenges they could face if they make it to a major global competition in the future."

The UK School Games will feature the best of this country's up and coming sporting talent and will provide an opportunity for other teenagers who are interested in sport to take part as volunteers.

£2.3 million in National Lottery funding has been awarded to the Youth Sport Trust through the Big Lottery Fund, to develop the UK School Games until 2011 and for the 2007 Games in Coventry. Visa is the presenting sponsor of the 2007 Games which are also being supported by Coventry City Council.

Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, the body responsible for delivering the Games, said:

"We are all really excited about what promises to be an incredible few days in Coventry as some of the UK's best young talent come together as competitors, technical officials and volunteers to enjoy this major multi-sport event.

"The UK School Games is helping to transform competitive sporting opportunities for school-age children. We believe not only will the Games encourage our most talented youngsters to go on to achieve success at the highest level, it will inspire many more children to bring sport in to their everyday lives, either as competitors, volunteers, coaches or officials and enjoy all the benefits sport can provide."

Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, Stephen Dunmore, said:

"The Big Lottery Fund is backing the unique opportunity the UK School Games gives young athletes to take part in a major multi-sport event. BIG's extensive Lottery investment in grassroots and school sports continues to inspire young people to participate in sporting activity and offers communities the opportunity to participate in the build up to 2012."

Colin Grannell, Head of Partnership Marketing, Visa Europe, said:

"At Visa, working with young sportspeople is seen as a key part of our sports sponsorship philosophy, which is why we're proud to be the presenting sponsor at the second UK School Games. Last year's competition saw an impressive 98 personal bests set by the young competitors, proving this is an excellent stage for encouraging young talent on our path to 2012."

Councillor Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council, said:

"The city is proud to be hosting the games and we are looking forward to a wonderful programme of sporting competition. A lot of commitment and effort has gone into ensuring that the games run smoothly and all visitors to the city gain a positive image of our city.

"I'm sure all competitors, organisers and supporters are looking forward now to the competition actually starting and pitting themselves against their peers. Good luck to all those involved and a warm Coventry welcome to everyone coming to the city over the weekend."