Britain's best decathlete since Daley Thompson has lent his backing to the 24th London Heathrow Youth Games, Europe's largest youth sports event which will take place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on the weekend of July 7.

Dean Macey, the silver medallist at the 1999 World Championships, recently presented each team from the 33 London boroughs with a £250 sports development grant from sponsors BAA Heathrow.

A borough team organiser selects teams from each borough to receive the cash to pay for anything from transport costs to new equipment.

Together with BAA Heathrow Public Affairs Director Jenny Bradley, Macey recently presented a Key Squad Grant to Katrina McDonald from Croydon.

Croydon's novice karate team was selected to use the grant for new mats and coaching sessions.

The Heathrow Youth Games finals weekend is held at Crystal Palace on July 7/8.