Fifteen-year-old athlete Harry Owen, of Kilgetty, has received the support of Olympic athlete Louis Smith, as it was announced he will compete in the 2009 UK School Games.

Harry will represent Wales competing against the UK's teenage elite in the gymnastics event, being held at Planet Ice Arena in Cardiff from September 3-6.

"The Olympic Games is one of the defining moments of any athlete's career. Being part of such a global event alongside its biggest sporting stars was brilliant," said Louis Smith.

"London 2012 inspired the UK School Games and I for one think it's great that we are doing all we can to prepare our future Olympians as early as possible.

"Harry will learn what it's like to prepare for his event amongst the added distractions of things like the athletes village, transport to venues and of course the opening and closing ceremonies.

"I hope that Harry will use the UK School Games to further his sporting ambition."

Harry is a student at Greenhill Comprehensive and trains five times a week to keep his gymnastics skills at a nationally competitive level. He also plays tennis and golf to heighten his fitness.

Harry's stellar record at the UK School Games has seen him win a host of medals, including a silver in 2006, two silver in 2007 and four silver in 2008.

"It feels great to compete in this year's competition because it will be my fourth year competing in the UK School Games," said Harry.

"It's fantastic to know that an Olympian in my sport like Louis Smith is following my game. Hopefully I can get a gold this year," he added.

Now in its fourth year, the UK School Games will attract the best school-aged athletes across 10 sports and 2009 will be the first games to include track cycling.

The UK School Games is designed to create a legacy whereby young people of all ages and abilities can aspire to compete in sport, become leaders, volunteers and technical officials.

Chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, Steve Grainger, added: "From the opening and closing ceremonies, to the elite level sporting action that will be witnessed at the venues in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, the 2009 UK School Games will offer a truly memorable experience for the competitors, young volunteers, officials and spectators.

"Learning from Louis Smith's own experiences of sport at a young age and the impact that competitive sport at this level had on her career, highlights how important it is to offer talented young sportspeople a platform to be the very best they can be."

The Youth Sport Trust, which is responsible for the development and organisation of the UK School Games, works across a range of initiatives and programmes to increase young people's participation and enjoyment of physical education and school sport.

For more information go to http://www.ukschoolgames.com">www.ukschoolgames.com . Interviews and photo opportunities can be arranged on request.