BANJAMIN Eyre, a 14-year-old gymnast from Hemingford Grey will represent Wales at iceSheffield at September’s Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games

The event, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England, and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, is a major multi-sport event for the nation’s talented young athletes. It will see over 1,600 potential future sports stars competing across 12 sports between September 12-15.

The St Ivo School pupil – and Huntingdon Gym member – will have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his sporting heroes and experience what it is like to compete in a major multi-sport event.

Olympic bronze gymnastics medallists Max Whitlock and Sam Oldham, Paralympic sprint gold medallists Hannah Cockroft and Jonnie Peacock, Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds and top Great Britain sprinter Adam Gemilli have all been on the same journey as Eyre and experienced competing at the high profile event before going on to sporting success at a senior level.

The four-day event will take place in iconic venues across Sheffield, a city famed for its sporting history and home to some of the UK’s top athletes. Alongside the competing athletes, there will be around 400 budding volunteers under 25 years old to help bring the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games to life for the young athletes, along with thousands of spectators.

Eyre said: “I’m very excited about my selection for the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games.

“This will be my third year at the event and it’s always good to meet up with teammates and get the chance to experience a national multi-sport competition.

“My main aims are to do well and go clean on each apparatus. I’m looking forward to the whole event from meeting up with the squad, staying in Sheffield, the opening and closing ceremonies and the competition itself.”

Sainsbury’s Active Kids ambassador, David Beckham congratulated Eyre: “Benjamin should be incredibly proud of being selected to compete in the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games.

“To be given the chance to compete in a multi-sport event and experience a major sporting occasion like this is a huge opportunity for these young people.

“I wish everyone the best of luck and encourage them to enjoy every minute.”