"The City of Newcastle is delighted to be working with our local and regional partners to stage the North East England UK School Games in 2010.

"Newcastle has a long and rich sporting heritage and the passion that exists here in the North East for sport will ensure this continues. The UK School Games will show sport at its best and will highlight the focus Newcastle has in providing sporting opportunities for young people living in the City. Over 27,000 children and young people are now benefiting from free sporting opportunities through our Fusion programme, which we hope will help breed a new generation of top sports perfomers.

"The Games are a fantastic opportunity for some of the outstanding young athletes in the country to compete against the very best in their sport and it's an amazing thought that one day we might watch with pride as one of the competitors from these games stands on an Olympic or Paralympic podium and think, "we saw them first" - perhaps as soon as London 2012!

"On behalf of the City of Newcastle I would like to extend a traditional Geordie welcome to all of the young athletes, volunteers and officials from across the United Kingdom who will be taking part in this year's event and to everyone coming to Newcastle to watch the UK School Games."

Councillor Pauline Allen, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, Newcastle City Council.