The pair, both patrons of the 2012 Balfour Beatty London Youth Games, will compete in archery, boccia, basketball and table tennis in a unique Olympics v Paralympics challenge.

The first challenge, table tennis, saw Weir beat Smith 11-3, and it is available to viewed at www.londonyouthgames.org and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLN9VbCIJuQ.

The remaining three challenges will be released every Friday in the lead up to Christmas.

Smith, who has broken 300 British records, said: "The Balfour Beatty London Youth Games has played such a massive role in my sporting career, so it is very special to be a patron for this year's Games.

"It is through the London Youth Games that I first discovered my talent for weightlifting.

"Without that early opportunity to compete, I seriously doubt whether I would have been in with a chance of competing at London 2012.

"It's an amazing season of events and it's a brilliant feeling to be able to represent your borough. I think every young Londoner should give it a go.

"It's fun, it's competitive and you never know what you might find out about yourself!"

Five time London Marathon winner Weir added: "It's a big honour to be a patron of the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games. It is such an important event for youth sport in London.

"The London Youth Games was where I first got the taste for competing and winning.

"It has played a significant role in launching my career towards the Paralympic Games.

"You can never underestimate the buzz an event like the London Youth Games can create amongst young people.

"It is helping to drive up participation in competitive sport and for some, it ignites a spark that can inspire them right to the top level."

The London Youth Games is the largest annual youth sports event in Europe, featuring 71,000 7-18 year olds in 2011.

The season will finish at the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace on June 28 - July 1, where competitors will take part in 23 sports.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]