THE latest SPAR Lancashire School Games has been launched in Blackburn.

The Games, the largest sporting event for young children in the county, was officially launched at St Gabriel’s Primary School in Blackburn.

The games have been split into three events this year; the standalone Disability Swimming Gala event, the new College Games and the Summer Games Festival which includes sports such as; netball, tag rugby, gymnastics, football, tennis, athletics, triathlon, boccia and orienteering.

In attendance at the Blackburn launch event, were pupils from the primary school, a representative from the Lancashire Sports Partnership and the school games’ mascot, the Lancashire Lion.

Andrew Mercer, School Games Organiser for Blackburn, who helped to arrange the event, said: “It’s is great that the Lancashire School games have been launched in Blackburn with Darwen and in particular at st Gabriel’s primary School. “The school has put a lot of time and effort into PE and School Sport and their successes are well deserved. “I would like to thank them for hosting today and wish them the best of luck when they attend the Lancashire School Games.”

Over 3,000 youngsters are expected to take part in the school games events this year.

The SPAR Lancashire School Games County Final will take place at Stanley Park in Blackpool on July 1.