Schoolchildren are being invited to compete in a junior Olympics in 2014 called the School Games.

There will be a season of sports competitions between schools which begin at a local level, with borough school champions progressing to London wide finals hosted at venues across the capital.

The London Youth Games Foundation has been awarded £270,000 of National Lottery money to deliver the games.

Russell Findlay, chief executive of London Youth Games Foundation said: "Research shows that adults are almost twice as likely to play sport regularly if they competed for their school, so it is important for the health of the nation that we give as many young people a great early experience of competitive sport.

"Through the School Games, we are helping to inspire a generation to fulfil their potential and deliver the type of sporting legacy everyone wishes to see from a city that so recently hosted such a memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The 2014 events promise to be bigger than ever before with over 1,800 schools from across every single London borough competing and providing volunteers to the events. Young people from all schools have the opportunity to compete in up to 30 different sports ranging from basketball to tennis.

The events also provide an opportunity for young people to gain experience as volunteers, in officiating, event and media roles as part of London Youth Games’ GamesForce programme. 

Minister for Sport, Helen Grant MP said: " The School Games competition is giving young people of all abilities the chance to get involved and play a variety of sports. This National Lottery funding from Sport England going to the Sainsbury’s School Games Festivals will mean that next year’s festivals will be bigger and better than previous years and inspire more young people to get involved."

The School Games in London are open to every school in the capital.  To find out how your school can get involved in competing, spectating, volunteering or performing in the cultural festival visit  londonyouthgames.org/schools  or email  info@londonyouthgames.org