Sebastian Coe, the chairman of  London 2012 and the double Olympic 1500 metres champion, joined Commonwealth Games decathlon champion Dean Macey as he took a multi-sports master class in West Ham Park for a lucky group of young Londoners.

 

The 10 Newham schoolchildren have already qualified for the London Youth Games finals in July - but some have ambitions that may one day take them to a certain event taking place in six summer’s time.

 

From today’s first knockout round (an event for youngsters with disabilities in West London) through to the Finals Weekend on July 8 and 9 at Crystal Palace, more than 25,000 young Londoners will compete in 30 different sports - from diving to show jumping and swimming to sailing at this Sport England-backed event.

 

“I’m convinced that this city’s historic and ongoing commitment to youth sports helped us to win the right to host the Olympic Games,” said Coe. “It was great, twelve months ago, to be able to demonstrate this commitment through a London Youth Games competitor, who travelled with us to Singapore to deliver the city’s final bid document to the International Olympic Committee.    

 

“The overriding aim of London 2012 is to provide a lasting legacy for future generations - in health, homes and jobs and, of course, sport. Two of the ways we can achieve this aim is to foster a healthier, more active nation by inspiring a new generation to greater sporting activity and achievement - and coupling this with new world-class sports facilities at the heart of communities which need them the most.”

 

London Youth Games Ambassador Dean Macey said: “When I first got involved with the (Youth) Games in 2002 it was to light the flame at the opening ceremony. I found the excitement and enthusiasm of the thousands of youngsters who were about to take part in their sports that day extremely inspiring.

 

“I hope that today, in a small way, I can inspire the group I’ve been coaching and instill in them that perseverance is the key to achieving your very best. That’s what’s worked for me down the years.”

 

The London Youth Games didn’t grow from humble beginnings in 1977 to the size it is today without the generous support of a huge variety of public and private sector organisations. This year’s major backers are Sport England London Region, the Greater London Authority, the Association of London Government and the Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

Matthew Delaney, Regional Director for Sport England London, said: "Sport England London is very pleased to be investing a total of £400,000 over three years - to continue a long tradition of support for the London Youth Games. The Games have for many years played an important role in promoting sport to a new generation of young athletes in the capital. For the thousands of young people who take part, it is often their first experience of high-level competition.”

 

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “The London Youth Games show how sport unites all ages, genders and cultures in our city. That is why I have committed to support the Games during this Mayoral term to further enhance London's sporting legacy for young people. Many thousands of young Londoners from across the Boroughs have benefited during the 29 years the London Youth Games have been running - and many more will do so in future. 

 

“There would be nothing greater than, in six years time, to see a former London Youth Games competitor electrify the crowds at the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, as we did with javelin medalist Steve Backley.”