This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
First UK School Games held in Glasgow
05/09/2006
Success on the international stage can inspire Scotland's sporting stars of the future, Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson said today.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural UK School Games taking place in Glasgow this week, she said the event would act as a springboard to success for Scotland's talented athletes.
The School Games in Glasgow are the first of a series throughout UK cities in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics.
Over 1000 children from five sports - athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table-tennis and fencing - are to compete in this new sports event for youngsters.
Ms Ferguson said:
"Successful Scots on a world stage have a major impact on participation at a domestic level, enrich the life of the nation and enhance Scotland's international profile.
"We are inspired by our athletes' success and never more so than earlier this year in Melbourne when the Scottish team enjoyed its most successful Commonwealth Games ever.
"Many of the Scottish youngsters competing in Glasgow this week will be dreaming of representing their country at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games and, we hope, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"The UK School Games will show that Glasgow and Scotland can not just host major events, but put on a show that few, if any, can match."
The UK School Games is funded by the Millennium Commission, which is providing a National Lottery grant of £1.5m. The UK School Games is also being supported by Visa as presenting sponsor, Glasgow City Council, EventScotland and Sportscotland
The Youth Sport Trust - the organisation who works to support the education and development of all young people through sport - has been given the task of organising both the inaugural UK School Games, and the following five events until 2011.