The Sainsbury's School Games in the UK has thrown down the challenge to Gibraltar's best young athletes inviting them to compete in this year's Games in Manchester in September. The School Games are an annual, major, multi-sport, Olympic/Paralympic-style event involving 1,500 young people from across the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories taking part in a variety of sports over 3-4 days.

The Governor Sir James Dutton welcomed this initiative: 'I have seen for myself some of the great young sporting talent that Gibraltar has to offer.  This is a unique opportunity to compete with some of the top young UK and OT athletes in a friendly and competitive atmosphere and to develop their ability. Who knows, this might be a stepping stone to following in Georgina Cassar's footsteps and one day compete in an Olympic or Paralympic Games.'

Gibraltar's first Olympian, Georgina Cassar, added: 'Exposure to this level of competition will be invaluable not only to young Gibraltarian athletes but also a great opportunity for their coaches as well.  They will all get a real buzz and lots of experience from participating in such a major event with various athletes from across the UK and OTs and hopefully a lot of pride from representing Gibraltar!'

This year's event http://www.2014schoolgames.com/ is being held from 4-7 September and the sports available to OT athletes are athletics, fencing, judo and swimming.  The UK Government is able to help pay for any reasonable expenses incurred by accommodation and catering needs during the stay of the athletes, as well as any necessary internal transport costs for any athletes and their support staff throughout the Finals.

Expressions of interest can be sent to Guy Taylor ([email protected]) at the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) by 7 June.  Athletes will, of course, have to meet the necessary qualifying criteria.

As set out in the UK Government's 2012 White Paper: Overseas Territories, Security, Success and Sustainability, the UK Government is committed to working with HM Gibraltar of Gibraltar in a range of opportunities across sectors including supporting participation in sporting events. It is hoped that Gibraltar's involvement in the School Games this year and in future could potentially help sporting talent pathways Gibraltar has in place for the best young local athletes.