2011 Games the key to procuring needed facilities

May 20 2009 by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News

COUNCILLOR Michael McCann says Lanarkshire’s successful bid to host the International Children's Games in 2011 was key to last week’s announcement.

The depute leader of South Lanarkshire Council said he was delighted and proud to have played a part in securing the funds which will go towards supplying the pupils of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s with outdoor sports facilities on a par with other high schools in East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire.

Councillor McCann, who was a pupil at both St Bride’s and St Andrew’s High Schools, said: "It only takes a few moments to make an announcement but it is the time and effort it takes to create the announcement which is often passed over.

“The catalyst for this project was the council's successful bid to host the International Children's Games in 2011 and our continuing desire to improve facilities at the centre of our communities.

“I have been working closely with the leader of the council and key officers on this proposal for around 18 months but it would have been unwise to reveal the details until the finance and plans were in place.

“The matter will now be taken to the executive committee of the council in June for approval and we would expect to receive support for the proposal from all political parties.

“Thereafter, when the new facility is built it will benefit the local community, it will provide a modern external sports facility for the pupils of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School and it will provide training facilities for the hundreds of athletes who will descend on our town from across the globe in August 2011.

“Our successful ICG bid has already delivered a pre-legacy gift for East Kilbride and I am delighted and proud to have played my part in bringing this proposal to the table for approval."