PM vows boost to competitive sport

The move, which aims to give every child the chance of five hours of sporting activity a week, makes clear Mr Brown's Government has little sympathy with those who favour school sports being non-competitive and inclusive.

The £100 million campaign aims to offer an hour of sport to every child, every day of the school week and includes plans for greater emphasis on competition within and between schools.

It will also include a new National School Sport Week, championed by Dame Kelly Holmes, where all schools will be encouraged to run sports days and inter-school tournaments.

A network of 225 competitive sport leaders will be set up to work with primary and secondary schools to increase the amount of competitive sport they offer.

The Prime Minister said: "We need to put school sport back where it belongs, playing a central role in the school day. I was lucky enough to have primary and secondary schools that had sport at the centre of their ethos. I want every child to have that opportunity to take part."

Mr Brown was announcing the campaign at a visit to a London school with culture secretary James Purnell.

Mr Purnell said: "Competitive sport is enjoyable and good for all children and young people, not just those who excel. It helps improve children's teamwork and social skills, and boosts confidence and self esteem."

Sprinter Darren Campbell backed the move, saying: "I'm pleased the Government has shown its commitment to young people through sport. Competitive sport has taught me so many lessons about myself and delivered me many fantastic opportunities."

The announcement comes after Mr Brown joined an array of sports stars at a Labour-fundraising event at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night. Famous faces at the fundraiser included Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce.