by Anna Roberts

Dame Kelly Holmes launched the finals of the Kent School Games at a spectacular ceremony in Maidstone.

Pupils from across Kent, including youngsters from Valley Park Community School in Maidstone, performed at the opening in Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park.

Dame Kelly said she had high hopes for all Kent's pupils.

"I launched the Kent School Games in October last year so it is great to be here today," she said.

"There are hundreds of competitors from across Kent taking part in individual and competitive sports."

She said she was sure there were some potential Kent contenders to her throne.

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Dame Kelly attends Kent School Games opening

About 30,000 pupils competed in a variety of sporting activities in the run up to the finals of the games, which are supported by the KM Group.

Now 6,300 children from schools will compete in 64 different events at 13 different venues.

Certificates will be distributed to every participant and there will be 1,5000 medallists.

Kent County Council leader Cllr Paul Carter praised the young people who took part, speaking of the "importance of competitive sport".

He said the new Sports Minister, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson, had suggested rolling out school games across the UK in the run up to 2012.

Mid Kent Police area commander Ch Supt Matthew Nix, who attended the launch, said: "This is a fantastic, outstanding idea.

"It's great for children and young people to take part in such positive activities."

Children launched the games by running in and dancing, banging drums and singing.

Afterwards schools from across the county put on dance shows inspired by the games' values including inspiration, respect and friendship, determination and courage and equality.