The Sainsbury's School Games came to a close last week with the finals held at Olympic Park venues in London. The Games finals event is one part of the wider year round School Games initiative, which uses the inspiration of London's Olympics and Paralympics to transform competitive sport in schools and get more people playing sport.

On all accounts it appears the Games have been a great success and the Government announced that Prince Harry would become President of the Games, using his role to support and highlight 'the role that competitive sport can play in the development of young people, regardless of their background.'

The prince said: "Huge congratulations to everyone who has taken part in the inaugural School Games, but especially to those who have won. I believe that sport can give people confidence and skills which set you up for life. It is so important to get outside and to keep physically and mentally fit. I am very honoured to become the President of the School Games."

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is quoted as saying: "I am thrilled that Prince Harry has agreed to become President of the Sainsbury's School Games. He is great sportsman in his own right and I'm sure his support and enthusiasm will be a massive inspiration to all the young people who take part in every stage of the Sainsbury's School Games."

Prime Minister David Cameron also weighed in, congratulating the athletes' success:

"Huge congratulations to all the winners, runners up and everyone who took part in the School Games Finals this week. Without a doubt, one of the most important parts of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has always been the legacy, so it's brilliant to see over 12 000 schools signed up to the School Games, encouraging children to take part in competitive sport, and it's very fitting that some of these young people are amongst some of the first athletes to experience the thrill and excitement of competing at the Olympic Stadium, Velodrome and Aquatics Centre.

"Perhaps we have seen some of the great sports heroes of the future compete this week, but more importantly, I hope they will inspire many more young people to get involved in sport. It's a great way to mark the lead-up to the 2012 Games."

The School Games are backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sports Trust; they took place from 6th-9th May 2012.