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TODAY marks the start of the 100-day countdown to the Lake Macquarie International Children's Games in December.
Event organisers expect up to 1600 athletes, 4000 supporters and the heads of more than 30 international cities to attend the games.
Local children were due to take part in a school torch relay to commemorate the start of the 100-day countdown, how it was cancelled due to the weather.
The torch relay has been rescheduled to be held on Friday, October 17, which will 50 days to the event.
Lake Macquarie City Council is urging the community to get into the spirit of the Games.
"All is in readiness for our school torch relay which will celebrate the [50]-day mark until we welcome the world to Lake Macquarie City," mayor Jodie Harrison said.
Students from 26 schools will relay the torch from Warners Bay Lions Park, around Lake Macquarie, to Speers Point Park.
"This is the biggest event leading up to the Lake Macquarie International Children's Games and I would encourage the community to come along to be part of it," Cr Harrison said.
The International Children's Games is an Olympic-sanctioned event.
Lake Macquarie will become the first city in the southern hemisphere to host the games.
Children will compete in athletics, gymnastics, BMX, swimming, golf, sailing, football and water polo, from December 6 to 11.
The torch relay in October will depart Warners Bay Lions Park at about 10am, arriving at Speers Point Park at 11.
Free entertainment at the park will include a live performance from games song competition winner Mia Sifflet, as well as a jumping castle, inflatable slide and a pirate show.
Among the local schools taking part in the torch relay are Avondale School, Boolaroo Public School, Charlton Christian College, Coal Point Public School, Cooranbong Public School, Dora Creek Public School, Morisset Public School, Speers Point Public School, and St Joseph's Primary School at Kilaben Bay.