Youngsters seize sporting chance

Nov 27 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

OVER 100 young people with a disability attended a special two-day school of sport at the National Sports Centre in Largs recently.

People with additional support needs from eight South Lanarkshire schools took part in the event.

Schools taking part were Hamilton Grammar, Craighead School, Uddingston Grammar, Victoria Park, Stanmore House, Sanderson, Carluke High and Rutherglen High.

sportscotland’s National Sports Centre is a top-class facility, offering sports coaching to improve skills, and also provides overnight accommodation, which was utilised on this occasion.

New Age Kurling, a sport that can be played by disabled or able-bodied players, was just one of the activities available over the weekend.

Councillor Gerry Convery, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s community resources committee and the board of South Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “South Lanarkshire Council is the only local authority in Scotland to offer this two-day event, which provided intensive sports coaching for disabled young people.

“The School of Sport, initially funded by the Big Lottery Fund, was set up in 2003 and, when the funding ended in 2007, South Lanarkshire Council took over its support to allow the project to continue to offer young peoplethe opportunity to improve their sporting skills, health, and wellbeing.”

He added: “The National Sports Centre at Inverclyde usually plays host to international squads andtop performing athletes, butSouth Lanarkshire Council feltthat the centre should be accessible to all young people, both able-bodied and with disabilities, toenjoy.

“And enjoy they certainly have over the past two days. I believe everyone who has taken part has not only gained new sporting skills or honed the skills they already have, but most of all they have had a lotof fun doing so and made newand lasting friendships along the way.”

All those attending received a certificate from South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie, while each school was also recognised for supporting the event.