Children’s Games squad off to Athens

Jun 24 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

LANARKSHIRE’S 19-strong team of young athletes are on the medal trail at the International Children's Games in Athens.

In an early morning start on Tuesday, family and friends waved off the team bus from Hamilton Palace Grounds as the athletes and coaches headed for Glasgow Airport and their flight to Greece for the week-long event.

Wishing them all the best in a message of support was Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond who said he was “proud of the young sports stars flying the flag for Lanarkshire and Scotland”.

He added: “The countdown is now on as we look forward to welcoming the world to the 2011 International Children's Games in Lanarkshire.

“This will be a mini Commonwealth Games, setting the scene for Glasgow 2014.

“The sports facilities in Lanarkshire are fantastic.

“Good luck to Team Lanarkshire in Athens.”

As ambassadors for the region, the talented young sports stars are hoping to emulate Team Lanarkshire's medal haul of three gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals from last year's event in San Francisco.

The baton has now passed to the Athens squad, all aged 14-15, who will compete on the world stage in track events, tennis, football and swimming at the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.

Michael McCann, co-chair of Lanarkshire 2011, said having Athens as the venue was extra special for the team.

He added: “Athens is the spiritual home of the modern Olympics and this undoubtedly gives the event an even greater sense of occasion.”

“Athens hosted the Olympics in 2004 and is a city steeped in history so it is a great opportunity for our young athletes to compete in this environment.

“Winning medals would be the icing on the cake for our athletes, but as far as the children's games are concerned it's about competing in an atmosphere of solidarity and fair play.”