Two of the UK s top sportspeople will join thousands of locals to cheer on sports teams from across the county this weekend. Teams from both Stevenage and North Herts are taking part in the annual Herts Youth Games at the Hertfordshire Sports Village on t

Two of the UK's top sportspeople will join thousands of locals to cheer on sports teams from across the county this weekend.

Teams from both Stevenage and North Herts are taking part in the annual Herts Youth Games at the Hertfordshire Sports Village on the University of Hertfordshire's de Havilland campus this Saturday and Sunday.

This annual event provides a wonderful showcase for emerging sporting talent.

Former world record holding 110m hurdler Colin Jackson will be at the Games on Saturday and Olympic silver medallist Dr Alison Mowbray, of the Great Britain rowing team, will join the event on Sunday.

The two will watch around 2,000 children taking part in a dozen different sports in teams representing all 10 districts of the county.

Jackson said: "The Herts Youth Games is an event which is very dear to my heart, as I have attended the event for the past four years and have witnessed first hand the sea of smiling faces as young people thoroughly enjoy their sport.

"Competition is always intense as local bragging rights are put on the line, but at the heart of the weekend are the very best traditions of sport - honesty, endeavour, fair play, unyielding respect for rules and officials, friendship, grace in defeat and lots and lots of fun and enjoyment.

"It is a shining example of the positive difference that sport can make to the lives of those young people, and to see competitions for those youngsters with disabilities fully integrated into the event programme is also hugely encouraging."

Sport Stevenage chairman Grahame Bowles, also chairman of the Herts Sports Partnership who support the event financially added: "I am extremely pleased that the Herts Sports Partnership is able to support the Herts Youth Games again this year.

"I have been involved in the Youth Games for many years and know how important it is for young people in the county to be able to take part."

This event is free to attend and open to anyone to come along and watch. If you would like further information, contact event co-ordinator Annie Thomas on anniethomas@ntlworld.com or visit www.sportinherts.org.uk