More than a 100 of the UK’s finest young athletes, aged between 13-19, will travel to Australia to compete in the event for the very first time.

 

Team GB, which includes a number of athletes who have already been successful at major senior level events, will come up against the world’s best from China, United States and Australia among others. 2,200 athletes representing 23 nations are invited to compete at the AYOF.

 

The athletes will compete in 11 Olympic sports including canoeing/kayaking, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, sailing, shooting, table tennis and taekwondo.

 

Simon Clegg,the chief executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA), said:  “We are delighted that Visa is supporting Team GB in what will be our first appearance at the AYOF.

 

"It is an important opportunity for our young athletes to experience a multi-sport event as they look to realise their Olympic ambitions in London in 2012.

 

"As one of the Worldwide TOP Olympic sponsors, Visa’s support of the BOA and British athletes over the years has been invaluable and we thank them once again for their further commitment to ensuring our Olympians of the future have every chance of success.”

 

Colin Grannell, Executive Vice President, Visa Europe said: “Visa is dedicated to the discovery of Britain’s future Olympic Champions and providing young athletes with the best possible chance of success at the 2012 Olympics.

 

"Enabling them to compete in the AYOF will provide them with an all important opportunity to experience elite competition at the earliest stage, as there is no other competition on this scale for this age group.

 

“As the official team partner, Visa is proud to be supporting all 106 British athletes at the start of their Olympic aspirations and as a global sponsor since 1986, Visa is committed to raising the profile of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements around the world.”