BOLTON will play host to more than 4,000 young athletes from across the region this weekend when the Greater Manchester Youth Games come to town.

For the people of Bolton, they will be the Farewell Games. It is the third successive year the Games have been held in the town, but next year they will be held at another Greater Manchester venue which has yet to be named.

This weekend, 16 sporting events take place at Bolton Arena, Horwich Leisure Centre, St Joseph's High School, Horwich and Hilton Table Tennis Centre,

The waterpolo competition will be held at Manchester Aquatics Centre on Saturday, June 18.

Bolton's boxing sensation Amir Khan and England goalkeeper David James will welcome the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run at noon on Saturday at Bolton Arena.

The torch run, from London to Glasgow, aims to raise money and awareness for Britain's seventh National Summer Games in Glasgow for athletes with learning difficulties.

Khan and James will also lead runners on a two-kilometre fun run around the Arena site. Amir sent this message out to the people of Bolton: "Come and join in the excitement and fun of the Greater Manchester Youth Games and the welcoming of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope. With over 4,000 athletes competing your support is much appreciated and it is sure to be a fun day out."

Teams of youngsters aged 11 to 16 from Stockport, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford, Salford, Tameside and central Manchester will compete in the Games.

Bolton Arena will be the showpiece venue, with athletics, basketball, rugby union, tennis and judo taking place there.

St Joseph's High School will play host to cricket, netball, football and rugby league. Horwich Leisure Centre will hold swimming, hockey, aquathlon, volleyball and new age kurling.

A simultaneous warm-up will be held at the Arena, St Joseph's and Horwich Leisure Centre at 9.15am on Saturday for the youngsters. The real action starts at 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday.