The 2008 International Youth Games will be held in Rendsburg from July 27 to August 1 and will see a team of 50 young people from across the Lancaster district taking part in a mix of sports including athletics, golf, judo, swimming and table tennis.

They will be competing against youngsters of a similar age from Aalborg (Denmark), Vierzon (France) and Haapsalu (Estonia), as well as from Almere (the Netherlands), Kristianstad and Piteå (Sweden), Skien (Norway), the district Racibòrcz (Poland) and Rathenow (Brandenburg).

Coun Jane Fletcher, cabinet member with responsibility for sport and young people, said: "The International Youth Games have been taking place now for over 20 years and are an excellent way for our young people to learn about other cultures and people.

"They are also a great way for them to prove their prowess on the sporting field and perhaps forge a career in athletics.

"Carolina Kluft, the World and Olympic Champion heptathlete, started her career at the International Youth Games in 2001.

It would be wonderful if a youngster from the Lancaster district could follow in her footsteps and use the Games as a stepping stone to taking part in the 2012 London Olympics."

Lancaster's involvement in the International Youth Games is organised and funded by Lancaster City Council.

Next year it will be Lancaster's turn to host the games and the city council would like to hear from families who would be prepared to host one of the participants from abroad.

The chance to experience the culture of a foreign country is one of the key aims of the Games and it is hoped the exchange will benefit both the young person and the host family.

The 2009 Games are planned to take place from July 26 to August 1.

* If you are interested in being a host family please contact David Owen, Lancaster City Council's Head of Cultural Services, by email to dowen@lancaster.gov.uk or by telephoning 01524 582820.