Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games

The major sponsorship boost was revealed at one of the Games most prestigious venues - the new £32million Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre on the site of the former steelworks.

Tasked with economic regeneration, the Corus subsidiary has signed up to support the two sports during the Games next year.

The sponsorship deal will help to ensure the experiences of visiting athletes from around the world will fit with the vision of providing the most memorable Games ever.

Councillor Jim Smith, co-chair of the ICG 2011 committee, said: "We are delighted to welcome UKSE on board as major supporters of the Games. The company's aims fit perfectly with our vision of Ravenscraig's regeneration and we are very grateful for their support.

"Hosting the International Children's Games in 2011 gives Lanarkshire the perfect opportunity to showcase our strengths and talents to a global audience. We want the legacy of the 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."

UKSE's support will go towards ensuring the facilities are on a par with top professional sporting events and further enhance the Games legacy to provide initiatives for schools centred around healthy lifestyles and sporting activity.

Anne Clyde, area manager for UKSE, said: "Our main objective is to encourage the economic regeneration of areas affected by changes in the steel industry and Lanarkshire is key to our regeneration efforts in Scotland.

"We are also keen to support community initiatives which benefit the wider society and encourage the development of new skills and offer opportunities for education and healthier living. Investing in our children is vital if we want our communities to develop and grow. Sport helps us engage with youngsters at an early age and encourages them to develop healthier, fitter futures for themselves.

"The Games will not only attract young sportsmen and women from all over the world to the region but will also raise the profile of Lanarkshire in particular and Scotland as a whole.

"The judo and badminton events are being held in the regional sports facility at Ravenscraig, one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe. These events will shine a spotlight on this emerging new town and will play a key role in attracting investment and illustrate the benefits Lanarkshire has for those living, working and visiting the area."

UKSE has been working with communities throughout the UK since 1975. The company provides financial assistance to start-up and expanding businesses and in Scotland alone has invested more than £19m in 1400 companies, creating 16,500 jobs.

Its Scottish headquarters are in Lanarkshire, once one of Europe's busiest steel producing areas, ensuring UKSE is well placed to help hundreds of local businesses and community projects.

As part of its community support programme, UKSE offers grants and sponsorship to local initiatives across the country, helping people get back into work, aiding charities and supporting the development of young people.

Central to the regeneration of Lanarkshire is the redevelopment of the former Ravenscraig steelworks. Once completed, Ravenscraig will have a transformational effect on Lanarkshire, delivering tremendous investment, employment and quality of life opportunities.

To find out more about the work of UKSE please go to the UK Steel Enterprise website.

If your business would like to support the ICG 2011, please email info@icg-lanarkshire2011.com