Davies Sports, one of the UK’s foremost companies in youth sport, have been appointed as the official sports equipment supplier for the London Youth Games.

The relationship will see Davies Sports provide a whole range of essential equipment across 30 sports, including shuttlecocks, team bibs, archery targets and referee whistles. The contract will runs from the 2010 season through until January 2013.

Emma Markey, Director of Marketing, Davies Sports said: -Davies Sports is passionate about helping every child realise their sporting ability. The London Youth Games is all about creating opportunities for young children to compete on a grand scale and we believe our equipment will help them achieve their best during this exciting competition.-

Russell Findlay, Chief Executive, London Youth Games said: -Around 47,000 youngsters across London will set out on the journey to represent their borough at the 2010 Balfour Beatty London Youth Games.

“For thousands of young people in the capital, the Games will provide the first opportunity to compete in a large-scale sporting event, following in the footsteps of stars such as Christine Ohuruogu and Rio Ferdinand. It is in our hands to provide a really positive early experience of sport.

“By teaming up with a company of the professional reputation as Davies Sports, we can be sure of delivering well-organised and professional competitions using top-quality equipment to increase the likelihood of each young person staying within sport and enjoying the social and physical benefits it brings.-

The 2010 season launched with the girls indoor cricket qualifiers on 6/7 February and will run for 23 competition days throughout the year culminating on 15 July and including the Thames Water Regatta on 5 June, Balfour Beatty Mini Games on 1 July and Balfour Beatty Main Games on 3/4 July at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

Former participants at the London Youth Games include 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold medallists Christine Ohuruogu (athletics), Bradley Wiggins (cycling) and Mark Hunter (rowing). Christine Ohuruogu is the 2010 patron of the Games; she represented her borough of Newham in netball and athletics as a youngster.

She said: -I am really happy to be patron of the 2010 Balfour Beatty London Youth Games. It is an event which holds a lot of fond memories for me. The London Youth Games is where I first discovered sport on a bigger level.

-It completely opened my eyes to what youngsters could do. When I think back, it was like one big carnival. As a kid, I thought that was what the Olympic Games were like. I absolutely loved it and I always had to make sure I was there again the following year.

-What I learned from the London Youth Games was to enjoy sport. It is such a brilliant setting. Even though boroughs want to compete against each other, the fun element is definitely there. Yes, you want to win. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to win when I go to championships – I do want to win. But that winning comes from the fact that I enjoy what I do. I think that is something that is instilled in me from the London Youth Games.-

We are passionate about playground equipment and sport equipment and the benefits it can offer young people. Along with making them more active and healthy sport can play a central role in developing young people’s confidence and helps develop team work and wider social skills.