SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Warrington are set to gain confidence and self esteem by competing in a massive sports day.

The Sainsbury's Cheshire and Warrington Summer School Games Festival will take place in July at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, Beamont Collegiate Academy and Birchwood Tennis Centre.

Sport Cheshire is organising the event, which will involve more than 1,000 children in various sports including rounders, tennis and goal ball.

“It’s all about getting more young people playing competitive sport,” said Adam Norris, of Sport Cheshire.

“What the day promises is the benefits of taking part in sport such as building confidence, self esteem and achievement.”

It will be the culmination of a year-round calendar of school sport events, giving the winners of internal and borough competitions the opportunity to compete against the best from across the county.

Qualifying competitions for the various sports are still taking place, but more than 100 teams are expected to be involved.

Sport Cheshire said as many as 1,200 children could compete in events such as athletics, basketball and handball.

Goal ball will give visually-impaired competitors the chance to compete in the games. Anyone who takes part in that contest, but is fully-sighted will have their eyes obscured by a bandana to create a level playing field.

Children of all ages will be taking part in other events including orienteering, table tennis, golf and netball.

“The idea is to provide opportunities for all to play competitive sport,” said Adam.

“It’s not necessarily the best of the best, but it is a real joint effort between the partners and schools showing how much importance they place on sport and PE.”

Last year Chris McDermott, who represented Team GB at London 2012, attended the event to add some star power to the occasion.

A high-profile name is expected to attend this year although no announcement had been made as the Guardian went to press.

The Cheshire and Warrington Summer School Games Festival will be on Wednesday, July 9.