<p><br /> Pope Benedict XVI will pay tribute to his sporty predecessor with the launch of a new foundation during his visit to Britain, it has been disclosed.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Pope will launch the John Paul II Foundation for Sport at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, on Friday during a school assembly broadcast live to 800,000 pupils across Britain.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Catholic Church said 32 children from school years nine to 11 have been selected from schools across the UK to make a sporting pledge before the Pope at the launch of the foundation.<br /> </p><p><br /> The pupils - who have been chosen for their success in sport - will vow to engage in sport and "play with the right spirit, enjoy myself, give of my best, respect others, myself and the rules".<br /> </p><p><br /> Former England and Manchester United player Brian Kidd, assistant manager of Manchester City Football Club, will light an inauguration candle at the foundation launch as a symbol of God's light present in the world of sport, the Church said.<br /> </p><p><br /> The foundation aims to train future youth and adult leaders of sport and encourage sporting excellence.<br /> </p><p><br /> Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005, was a keen football player in his youth.<br /> </p><p><br /> He was known to jog in the Vatican gardens, hike regularly in the mountains and was a keen swimmer.<br /> </p>
