Pupils in years 5 to 8 are training for an Olympic-themed sports programme organised by Lakes Leisure.
The programme involves more than 700 children from four schools across Queenstown and Arrowtown and runs for the remainder of term 2.
Lakes Leisure community recreation co-ordinator Jendi Paterson said she had learnt so much through sport and it was important to give opportunities to younger children "When you get to high school you get a lot of sports exchanges, but there's not much at the younger age," she said.
The programme involves coaches going to the schools and teaching children a range of sports so they can compete against other schoolchildren at the event days in July and August.
There would also be opening and closing ceremonies resembling those of the London Olympics, Ms Paterson said.
She was applying for funding from Kiwi Sport to help support the programme, which was at no cost to the children, she said.
She would also like businesses to support the programme.
"Invercargill Passenger Transport has given us 30% off the cost of transport, which is great.
"We welcome any involvement in any way, shape or form."
"Sport is just so important for kids - you learn so much from team sport."
Anyone willing to help with the programme can contact Ms Paterson at Lakes Leisure on 450-9005.
