London Youth Games to feature at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park three different times in 2014

By Nick Butler

December 25 - Thousands of youngsters taking part in the London Youth Games next year will have several opportunities to compete on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

This follows on from the vast number of opportunities for youngsters to boost sporting participation levels over the last year since the completion of London 2012.

With the Copper Box Arena - which hosted Olympic handball and Paralympic goalball at London 2012 - re-opening earlier this year, badminton qualifiers are due to take place in February, indoor athletics qualifiers in March before handball returns to the "box that rocks" in June.

Part of the nationwide UK School Games series, the London Youth Games is Europe's largest annual youth sports event, featuring 81 competitions across 30 sports through 41 event days.

The 2014 version is the biggest yet in a 37-year history.

It will be hoped that the atmosphere in the Copper Box during London 2012 can be revived during the three London Youth Games events ©AFP/Getty Images

It will be hoped that the atmosphere in the Copper Box during London 2012 can be revived during the three London Youth Games events in 2014 ©AFP/Getty Images

Along with its Olympic Park debut, next year's event will also feature the biggest Para-Games competition programme ever, consisting of athletics, swimming, indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, football, boccia, tennis and, for the first time ever, kayaking.

Russell Findlay, chief executive of the London Youth Games Foundation expressed his "pride" to be hosting the biggest ever London Youth Games in 2014.

"We have an unrivalled range of sports for young Londoners to get involved in as competitors, volunteers or even as part of our cultural programme," he said.

"By taking the London Youth Games to the Olympic Park for the first time ever we are building on our ability to deliver inspiring competitions.

"The London Youth Games inspires tens of thousands of young people to participate in sport and provides the type of competitive environment that motivates them to train all year-round and fulfil their potential."

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