YOUNG sports stars from Bolton celebrated victory at the Greater Manchester School Games.

Schoolchildren from across the borough were among 2,000 pupils at Sport City’s Indoor Athletics Arena who attended the opening ceremony.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Nicola White opened the games with a special This Girl Can dance performed by schools around the district.

Two local schools came away as champions when the annual tournament got under way.

St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School in Heaton won the Year Five and Six hockey competition, while Bolton School triumphed in the water polo event and were presented their gold medals by 2012 Water Polo Olympian Hazel Musgrove.

A total of 79 young leaders formed the School Games crew this year, including 28 from Bolton.

They underwent training, with some gaining qualifications, to ensure they could help deliver the events with the support of the national governing body for their sport.

Responsibilities of the volunteers on the day included refereeing, officiating and team management.

There were competitions taking place in athletics, basketball, boccia, gymnastics, handball, hockey, lacrosse, netball, rugby league, rugby union, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and water polo using world class facilities, including the National Cycling Centre, Sport City and the National Basketball Performance Centre.

The youngsters were spurred on by sports stars including gymnast Beth Tweddle, elite boccia player Dan Wain and handball Olympian Holly Lam-Moores.

Matt Stocks, part of the organising committee for the games, said: “What a fantastic day of school sport competition. It was wonderful to see so many schools from across Greater Manchester participating.

“The event provides a terrific platform in which young people can showcase their talents as both participants and leaders.”