People flocked to ACS Cobham International School recently for the launch of this year’s P&G Surrey School Games.

More than 180 attended the event on January 20, of which 120 were students from primary, secondary and special schools throughout Surrey.

After an opening ‘Olympic Dance off’ by Woolmer Hill School, guests took part in taster sessions for a number of sports including archery, boccia, basketball and dodgeball.

Guests were also treated to a special Question and Answer session with Rachel Morris, a hand cyclist from Guildford who won gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, and Great Britain cyclist Dave Daniell.

Both athletes discussed the training and dedication needed for sports and spoke of their hopes for London 2012.

After a performance by St. Dunstan’s School choir, Surrey County Council chairman Lavinia Sealy closed the launch event.

Eddy Schlachter, sports centre manager at ACS Cobham, said: “It was a really fun day and great to see so many people come together from all over Surrey to show their support for the games.

“The London Olympics have inspired people around the world to get involved in sport, and everyone is really looking forward to seeing youngsters in our local community have their own chance to compete in a large-scale competition like the P&G Surrey School Games.

“Dave Daniell and Rachel Morris really inspired all the students to get involved in sport, and showed the value of hard-work and dedication which are important in all walks of life, not just sport.”

The P&G Surrey School Games is a partnership between the county council, participating schools, sports governing bodies and Active Surrey.

Held over 150 days, it will involve contests in more than 20 sports, including athletics, dodgeball, golf and cycling.

There will be a host of events for young people with disabilities.

This year’s games also has art contests, including creative writing and illustration competitions.

More than 5,500 young people are expected to take part.