Herts Air Ambulance has announced a new partnership with the Herts Youth Games Association (HYGA), which has chosen this great cause to be the official charity of the Herts Youth Games 2009.

Sponsored by the Herts Sports Partnership, this annual sporting event, now in its 17th year, attracts around 2,000 young athletes from the ten local authorities of Hertfordshire.

The life-saving aircraft will be based at the grounds of the Hertfordshire Sports Village for the weekend and will be operational from the site. People are invited to come and watch the events and have the chance to meet the helicopter crew.

This year's Herts Youth Games will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, at Sports Village in the grounds of the University of Hertfordshire.

The Games will see teams of young people representing different local authorities of Hertfordshire compete in sports such as football, rugby, athletics and basketball with the winning team receiving the Victor Ludrum Trophy.

Tony Marmo, Event Co-ordinator for the Herts Youth Games said: “The Games is a really important inclusion to the Hertfordshire sporting calendar. It promotes involvement in sport, healthy living and enjoyment of participation amongst young people demonstrating how sport can make such a positive impact on their lives.”

Nikki Caborn, from Herts Air Ambulance added: “We are absolutely delighted that we are the official charity for the Herts Youth Games. It will be a great opportunity for us to raise awareness and educate young people about the work of the Air Ambulance since they are our supporters of tomorrow.”