Over 1,500 Edinburgh children from 48 schools have signed up to take part in the BAA Edinburgh Airport Youth Games this year, organised by Edinburgh Leisure.

The event is being themed around the Beijing Olympics and with 1,625 competitors, will be the largest since the Youth Games began nine years ago.

The run up to this year’s event, which will take place on 15 May, was launched by Scottish athlete Lee McConnell - who hopes to compete in Beijing - at Edinburgh Airport with pupils from Craigmount High School.

"I can still remember the buzz of my first athletics competition and the excitement of climbing on to the top of that podium,” she said. “But it's not all about winning; it's about taking part - and that's why I'm happy to get behind the Youth Games. I wish everyone the best of luck on the day."

Edinburgh Airport managing director David Johnston, added:

“With this being an Olympic year, and as we look forward to the UK hosting the 2012 Games and Glasgow the 2014 Commonwealth Games, there is no better time to encourage young people into sport.

“We are very proud that in its ninth year, the Youth Games continues to attract hundreds of pupils from schools across the capital to take part in physical activity.” Details: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk