The Queen is encouraging Commonwealth nations to promote sporting programmes in bid to stop young people turning into delinquents.

To mark Commonwealth Day, she said that sport taught young people many valuable lessons.

"I believe that sport will always play a very important part in the social welfare of all generations,'' she said.

"It demonstrates the value of cooperation, team work and team spirit. It teaches the need to abide by rules and regulations, it emphasises the importance of self control and how to take victory or defeat with good grace.

"All sports are absorbing and enjoyable, offering unique opportunities for self discovery and self confidence. For many young people participation in sport can offer a lifeline and an essential alternative to delinquency, drug abuse and crime.'' The Commonwealth Games are the organisation's greatest sporting festival and known as the friendly games.

It was always the athletes from the smallest nations who received the warmest welcome, the Queen said. And it was the sporting gesture that won universal recognition.

"Sport is a great leveller. The same rules apply to all, there are no age, racial or cultural barriers to participation. Indeed enthusiasm for sport brings together people from every background.''