Plans for Children’s Games are unveiled

Apr 1 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

THE build-up to the Lanarkshire International Children’s games 2011 has begun in earnest as excitement continues to grow at the prospect of the county hosting its biggest ever international event.

An organising committee has been set up, headed by Michael McCann, deputy leader of South Lanarkshire Council, and Jim Smith, deputy leader of North Lanarkshire Council.

And over the coming weeks and months, officials from both local authorities will be working together to determine the complex structure needed to house, transport, provide security and cater for around 2000 athletes from 70 countries.

The committee will also be organising a cultural programme and will help promote the Games throughout the world over the next two years.

At the San Francisco Children’s Games last July, Lanarkshire was chosen as the host of the 45th Games against all the odds.

It has now been confirmed that Wishaw Sports Centre will be the venue for the judo and volleyball competitions and the new £31m Ravenscraig Sports Centre in Motherwell will be the venue for badminton.

High on the 2011 Committee's agenda is the determination to ensure the Games become a “community-led experience,” creating opportunities for everyone in the area to become part of the event.

To underline this ethos Jim Smith said schools will help to encourage competitors to get involved in the community and people will be asked to play a key part in the Games.

“Competitors will be accommodated in Lanarkshire’s new high-tech campus schools, such as Dalziel High, and local pupils will be encouraged to get involved on a volunteer basis as much as possible,” Smith said.

Both North and South Lanarkshire Councils have announced an investment to the tune of £1 million each in the Games as they look to ensure a lasting legacy for the area.

South Lanarkshire Council leader Eddie McAvoy said: “Lanarkshire winning the Games is the most positive thing that has happened to the region for 40 years.

“What we absolutely want to avoid is a situation where the Games are parachuted in and rocketed out without really touching or embracing the local community.”

At the forefront of the Games will be the Ravenscraig Sports Centre being built on the site of the former steelworks.

Work is now underway to complete the state-of-the-art facility next year.

The centre is being designed to host local, regional and national sporting and leisure events as well as shows, concerts and exhibitions.

When completed the sports centre will house a full-size indoor and outdoor football pitch, a nine-court sports hall, strength and conditioning suite, an athletics track and six five-a-side outdoor pitches.

If you want to make a date in your diary, the Children’s Games will take place in Lanarkshire from August 3 to 7, 2011.