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A Sheffield based sports consultancy has proved a winner with thousands of school children at what is believed to be one of the biggest school games in Europe.

MLS (Montgomery Leisure Services) based in Chapeltown was asked by sports chiefs in Kent to help organise the finals of the Kent School Games.

The inaugural event last week was opened by double Olympic athletics champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

A staggering 30,000 school children aged 3-11 years old from 450 schools in Kent took part in the games which covered 23 sports from athletics, swimming and cycling to rugby, table tennis and cricket. And the finals involved 5,000 young people over nine days of competition at 15 facilities in eight venues.

MLS has an impressive track record in organising and managing high profile events. It is a national leader in delivering multi-sport events including the British Transplant Games in August in Sheffield, regional youth games and International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised children’s games across the globe. MLS’ team members have been involved in delivering high profile sporting events including the World Firefighter Games 2004 and the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.

MLS is a member of the pioneering SportsPulse consortium which is devoted to developing the sports business sector in South Yorkshire.

“We’re delighted to be taking our expertise out of Sheffield and promote what we can offer the rest of the country in delivering well-run and enjoyable sporting events,” said John Timms, Events Director for MLS who attended in a 20-strong team from MLS.

“The Kent School Games are a real success story and one aiming to help the county secure a lasting legacy after the 2012 London games,” he added.

John Timms even got to hold a piece of Olympic memorabilia – the official Olympic torch from the 1948 Olympic Games which were held in London – which made a special appearance at the event.

MLS was chosen by Kent County Council Sport, Leisure and Olympic Service to manage the finals – the culmination of 515 heats and competitions held throughout June. The Kent School Games are sponsored by P&O Ferries and even appeared on Kent’s own television channel.

Natalie Harris, Kent Schools Games Co-ordinator, said MLS’ input was vital in making the games a resounding success.

She said: “We really couldn’t have achieved such a great event without MLS. The finals were a resounding success and everyone involved had a great time and a left with plenty of smiles and a games to remember.”