By David Gold

Annie_Last_Mountain_Bike_DemonstrationJune 1 - British rider Annie Last led a masterclass in mountain biking for a group of aspiring young champions at Wharncliffe and Wheata woods near Sheffield, the venue for the 2011 Sainsbury's UK School Games mountain bike event.


More than 1,600 elite school athletes will be in competition across 12 sports from September 1-4, and the event replicates the format of a major championship complete with an athletes' village, opening and closing ceremonies.

The Youth Sport Trust deliver the event, which 2010 elite national champion Last praised for its impact on aspiring athletes.

She said: "Giving young people the chance to compete in a multi-sport event like the Sainsbury's UK School Games gives them a real head start in knowing what it's like to compete at the very highest level.

"I hope that by passing on my advice to these youngsters they can work and train hard, perfect their technique and go on to future success in the sport."

British Cycling's Gary Coltman added: "This is the third year British Cycling has been involved in the Sainsbury's UK School Games.

"From the opening and closing ceremonies, to the athletes' village, the whole experience gives a real insight for the young competitors about all aspects of taking part in a major multi-sport event."

Annie_Last_With_Sainsburys_UK_School_Games_Hopefuls
Legacy Trust UK fund the event, which will see two new sports added to its list this year; wheelchair basketball and women's rugby sevens.

The full list of sports is as follows; cycling (mountain biking), athletics, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, hockey, judo, swimming, table tennis and volleyball with disability events in swimming, athletics and table tennis.

Carly Munday, Sainsbury's Active Kids sponsorship manager said: "Sainsbury's is proud to be sponsoring the UK School Games for a second year running.

"This is a great opportunity for us to further embed Active Kids in schools and show our commitment to promoting a healthier, active lifestyle for young people of all ages and abilities."

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