£30m drive to encourage more children to play sport

MILLIONS of children are still not taking part in competitive sport at school, figures will show today.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham will announce a £30million drive to encourage more pupils to compete in new sports leagues and cup competitions.

Despite recent improvements, the latest national survey of school sport is expected to show at least two million children do not play regular competitive games.

The figures come as London hosts the parade for Team GB's Olympic medal-winning heroes. Thousands are expected on the streets to cheer more than 350 Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Mr Burnham will attempt to reverse the long-term decline in competitive sport at school.

Competition has all but died out in many areas because teachers believe a culture of "winners and losers" damages children's self-esteem.

Just three months ago a government study recommended less competitive sport in schools to encourage more pupils to take part in games in the run-up to the London Olympics. Again, the experts argued that competition puts children off.