The Medway Sporting Academy has been officially launched by Paralympic gold medallist and Medway International Sporting Ambassador Danny Crates.

The event was held at the Black Lion Leisure Centre in Gillingham and was attended by talented pupils from three Medway primary schools as part of a pilot phase of the academy.

The Medway Sporting Academy is the first of its kind in the country, and aims to provide a pathway to excellence for Medway’s talented young athletes and produce future world champions through a structured training programme.

Following an inspiring welcome speech from Danny, children from Featherby Junior School, Park Wood Junior School and St. Margaret’s Junior School set about showing the academy coaches what they could do. They were tested for speed and agility, balance, reactions and co-ordination – four key components required by athletes competing in any sport.

The children’s scores from the launch will give them valuable feedback ahead of a qualifier session to be held in January. The top performing children from the qualifier will be selected for a pilot academy group and undertake monthly academy sessions during spring 2009.

Every child assisting with the pilot will be rewarded with a guaranteed place at the full qualifier in July.

Recruitment to the academy is taking place through the Mini Youth Games involving more than 2,000 children from Medway Primary Schools.

The top 25 performers at each event will join the qualifier event in July. Teachers can also nominate talented pupils to complete a 500 strong field.

The contenders will compete in a range of tests and disciplines designed to assess their all round sporting abilities before a final 80 are rewarded with a place at the Medway Sporting Academy starting in September 2009.

Each recruit’s performance will be analysed at the end of each year, giving them the opportunity to progress with training until they are 15 or they have been in the academy for five years.

Danny was on hand to encourage the children and said: “The Medway Sporting Academy is a great way of developing the most talented children and encouraging everyone to compete to the best of their abilities.

"I was very impressed with the children who took part today and expect to see some of them make the final academy selection.

"The Medway Sporting Academy coaches wish every child in Medway the very best of luck”.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Howard Doe said: “I am delighted to see the start of this new initiative, which will bring out some of the really good sporting talent in Medway’s young people.

"I also hope it will encourage more and more young athletes to take up sport seriously.”