11/7/20082011 children’s Games to be staged in Lanarkshire
Celebrations from Jim McCabe, Ian Livingstone, Gilbert Cox and Michael McCann
LANARKSHIRE today won its bid to host the 2011 International Children’s Games which will attract youngsters from around the world.
And First Minister Alex Salmond was praised for playing a pivotal role in persuading delegates to unanimously back the joint bid by the area’s two councils.
The event – affectionately known as the “mini Olympics” – will attract up to 2000 athletes aged between 12 and 15, plus coaches and officials from more than 70 countries.
The decision announced in San Francisco in the early hours was immediately welcomed by the bid team of Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox, North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim McCabe, South Lanarkshire Council depute leader Michael McCann and chairman of civic pride group New Lanarkshire Limited, Ian Livingstone.
Speaking from San Francisco, Councillor McCabe said: “While we knew we had a great case and an outstanding presentation, there was always the thought in the back of our minds that we could be pipped at the post.”
“When the ICG committee made its announcement, I was overjoyed in what we had achieved for Lanark-shire and I know that goes for my three colleagues who put forward such a passionate case.”
The neighbouring councils had together spent £2million on the campaign and have agreed to jointly donate another £1m towards the costs of the event.
The campaign culminated in a 25-minute presentation to the 25 delegates on the ICG committee.
The presentation included a hi-tech films which featured backing from Mr Salmond, BBC sports presenter Hazel Irvine and from sport stars including Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Hoy.
Mr Salmond said: “Scotland is fully behind the bid and we are looking forward enormously, if
successful, to starting a
process of great sporting events in Scotland over the next few years, with the Children’s Games in 2011, culminating in the Common-wealth Games in 2014 and the Ryder Cup of 2014.”
The First Minister also pointed out that Strathclyde Park would be “a magnificent venue” and was also to host events when the 2014 Commonwealth Games are staged by Glasgow.
Endorsed by the International Olympic Committee, the 42nd Games are currently taking place in San Francisco where sport is being combined with educational programmes.
When the event ends next week, around 1500 children will have competed in eight different sports – basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, swimming, golf, tennis and table tennis.
And First Minister Alex Salmond was praised for playing a pivotal role in persuading delegates to unanimously back the joint bid by the area’s two councils.
The event – affectionately known as the “mini Olympics” – will attract up to 2000 athletes aged between 12 and 15, plus coaches and officials from more than 70 countries.
The decision announced in San Francisco in the early hours was immediately welcomed by the bid team of Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox, North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim McCabe, South Lanarkshire Council depute leader Michael McCann and chairman of civic pride group New Lanarkshire Limited, Ian Livingstone.
Speaking from San Francisco, Councillor McCabe said: “While we knew we had a great case and an outstanding presentation, there was always the thought in the back of our minds that we could be pipped at the post.”
“When the ICG committee made its announcement, I was overjoyed in what we had achieved for Lanark-shire and I know that goes for my three colleagues who put forward such a passionate case.”
The neighbouring councils had together spent £2million on the campaign and have agreed to jointly donate another £1m towards the costs of the event.
The campaign culminated in a 25-minute presentation to the 25 delegates on the ICG committee.
The presentation included a hi-tech films which featured backing from Mr Salmond, BBC sports presenter Hazel Irvine and from sport stars including Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Hoy.
Mr Salmond said: “Scotland is fully behind the bid and we are looking forward enormously, if
successful, to starting a
process of great sporting events in Scotland over the next few years, with the Children’s Games in 2011, culminating in the Common-wealth Games in 2014 and the Ryder Cup of 2014.”
The First Minister also pointed out that Strathclyde Park would be “a magnificent venue” and was also to host events when the 2014 Commonwealth Games are staged by Glasgow.
Endorsed by the International Olympic Committee, the 42nd Games are currently taking place in San Francisco where sport is being combined with educational programmes.
When the event ends next week, around 1500 children will have competed in eight different sports – basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, swimming, golf, tennis and table tennis.