Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

The Spirit of Friendship education programme links citizenship, PE and sport across all age groups in schools across Britain.

It has been developed by the Commonwealth Institute and the Youth Sport Trust to explore Britain's Commonwealth connections through citizenship and sport in the lead up to the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games and the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Endorsing the programme, Schools Minister Baroness Ashton said: "The Spirit of Friendship Festival is an excellent programme encompassing a broad range of educational issues.

"It supports the drive to embed the citizenship values which we have been working towards in the last few years. It is a great opportunity to explore the concept and practice of citizenship education and the long-term value of sport and diversity."

Grants are being made available to support citizenship activities in schools and the Youth Sport Trust will also deliver the TOP Link programme to enable young people aged 14 to 19 to develop their leadership skills.

This will involve young people in planning and organising festivals of sport or dance for their local primary schools which will have a Commonwealth Games theme in 2002.

TOP Link provides an opportunity for young people to hone skills in a variety of roles including officiating, coaching and leadership, administration and management.