SPORT in Medway is on the verge of a massive boost after the University of Kent at Medway, Medway Council and Medway Messenger put forward proposals to stage a sporting extravaganza for 10 to 16-year-olds next year.

If it comes to fruition, it will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Medway.

Dubbed the Medway Games, this exciting plan is for an Olympic-style competition featuring a variety of sports, ranging from athletics to swimming, basketball to badminton and table tennis to gymnastics.

This week, the Medway Games received crucial backing when Medway councillors agreed to spending £20,000 to help with the organisation.

Conservative deputy council leader Alan Jarrett said: “We are fully committed to the concept and this money should help move things along.

“There is still much to be sorted out before we know whether the event will definitely go ahead, but we are now in a position to look at it in greater detail.

“We very much hope the Medway Games will come to fruition in 2004, and it will be an event enjoyed by everyone.”

Details of the Games have yet to be completed and talks are ongoing between the three partners before a final decision is taken on the format of the event.

Jeff Brown, from the University of Kent at Medway, said: “We are delighted to be involved with Medway Messenger and Medway Council in trying to provide a top quality Medway Games. This fits in with our community plans and the growing strength of our sports degrees.”

His colleague Jane Glew added: “The Medway games will give the students studying Sports Therapy, Health & Fitness at the university an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of the planning and running of a major sporting event.”

Jan Paterson, director of the British Olympic Foundation, told Medway Messenger: “Our future gold medallists and all Olympians come from students of today and we would be delighted to see a multi-sports events programme co-ordinated with local clubs and schools. We wish you every success."