'Support us' call on games.

Byline: By LUCY LYNCH [e-mail]

HALF a million pounds in sponsorship and more volunteers are still needed for the International Children's Games to be held in Coventry in July.

Coventry City Council bosses are appealing both for more sponsorship and more volunteer staff to help make the event a success for the 1,500 12 to 15-year-old athletes from around the world.

City council leader Cllr Ken Taylor (Con, Earlsdon) said some of the half-million was already promised but more was still needed.

He went on: "It's about getting people involved and encouraging people to take part."

International Children's Games co-ordinator Joanne Rainbow said: "There are many ways that sponsors can help.

"There is the in-kind support which could include helping with anything from clothing and uniforms to transport and printing costs. We also need communication equipment including mobile phones with free calls.

"After the in-kind support there are titled sponsors, principal partners and official category sponsors. All the companies in these categories would have a high-profile involvement in the games and again, packages to suit all companies are available."

Bodies already involved include Britannia Hotel, Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry University, CV One, Deeley Construction Group, Jaguar, LTI, National Express, NP Aerospace, Thomsonfly, Travel Coventry, University of Warwick, Virgin Trains and De Courcey Travel.

Companies who would like to sponsor the event should contact John Timms or Yuri Matischen on 0114 257 1992.

Anyone who would like to volunteer should visit the website www.childrens- games2005.org.uk or contact Mark Davies at Coventry University on 024 7679 5979.