Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has outlined the government's plans for the School Games tournament in a speech to the Sports Colleges Conference in Telford.

Addressing more than 500 representatives from schools across the country, Hunt said that the concept would give every child the opportunity to participate. Under the proposals, 500 schools across nine regions are to pilot an annual School Games Day, which would provide a 'finals' day from a programme of intra-school competition.

A rolling programme of leagues and tournaments will help encourage greater competition between schools at town or district level. Meanwhile, up to 60 new county or city-level Festivals of Sport will help show off the best in local competitive sport through inter-school finals.

A prospectus is due to be published in the spring, which will see the government explain how teachers and coaches can get involved in the School Games concept. Hunt told delegates: "Sport is a vital part of a healthy childhood. It helps in the drive against child obesity and competitive school sport offers a wide range of benefits like better self esteem, confidence and social skills.

"That is why we have got behind the School Games by providing up to £20m of funding over the next two years. It will help foster strong links between schools and encourage greater uptake."