28/5/2008PE festival will inspire athletes
HUNDREDS of young Glasgow athletes got into the Commonwealth spirit as a major PE festival got under way.
Primary six pupils from 32 of the city's schools will take part in the one-day event which was staged at the Kelvin Hall International Arena.
One of the stars of the new festival was Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Steve Frew, who was called upon to help inspire the next generation of athletes in time for 2014.
The gymnast performed at the opening ceremony for the festival, which included competitons in athletics, rugby, badminton, hockey, gymnastics and dancing.
Each of the schools adopted a Commonwealth country for the day and competed under their chosen flag.
The event was organised by Glasgow City Council to help persuade youngsters to take up sports and in doing so, adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Primary PE manager Christine Watson and her colleagues worked hard behind the scenes, determined to ensure the festival was a success.
She said: "We have made sure that all the activities are ones children are familiar with.
"With the help of the Glasgow School of Sport I'm sure the day will be a fitting celebration for the city as hosts of the Commonwealth Games in 2014."
The festival follows a Scottish Country Dancing festival and Glasgow Primary Schools Cross Country championships in March.
Glasgow's executive member for education and social renewal, councillor Gordon Matheson, said: "Research has shown that active kids are more likely to do better at school and are healthier in the long term.
"I hope all the children enjoy their day and I am sure they will be even more excited than usual because of the Commonwealth theme."