Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games

The Games for Scotland programme was launched by the Scottish Government to engage communities throughout the country in the lead up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and raise awareness of the Handover Ceremony.

At the John Wright Sports Centre  in East Kilbride the children had the opportunity to participate in coached sports including judo, badminton, hockey, athletics and dance. Fitness instructor Lori Bain then made sure all the young people were properly cooled down by taking them all through a series of stretches.

Pupils from Woodhead, St Kenneth's, St Vincent's, St Columbkilles, Our Lady & St Anne's, and Calderwood primary schools all took part in the morning session. They were followed in the afternoon by Calderglen, St Andrew's & St Bride's, Duncanrig, Holy Cross, Sanderson and Rutherglen pupils.

Councillor Gerry Convery, the chair of the Board of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: "We're proud to have hosted this Game On - Get Involved event. Alongside the Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games, the Commonwealth Games is an excellent platform for getting more young people involved in sport.

"We want the legacy of the Games - both Lanarkshire 2011 and the Commonwealth Games - to act as an inspiration to young people to get involved in sports at grassroots level and enjoy all of the associated benefits this involves - improving health, boosting confidence and self-belief and motivating them to achieve their ambitions.

Sports development officer Roisin Lochrin-Hopkins said: "It was great to have so many young people at the Game On event. Not only did they get the chance to take part in a variety of sports under one roof but it was the perfect place to reinforce the importance of an active lifestyle.

"The Commonwealth Games is a great vehicle for promoting health and fitness to South Lanarkshire's young people and we hope events like Game On will have a long lasting positive legacy for our young people health."

North and South Lanarkshire, in partnership with Event Scotland have also set up a pan Lanarkshire Get Involved in the Games event which is being held today from 1pm to 5pm to coincide with the handover of the flag.