Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games

Interactive bus to raise awareness across Scotland

Thursday 5 November 2009

An information bus, with its eye-catching Lanarkshire 2011 livery, will be touring Scotland over the next two years raising public awareness of the Games.

The bus will visit schools, major events and groups interested in learning more about the Games and how they can get involved.

The bus is equipped with a large screen, projector and PCs with broadband connection. And it will carry a wide range of literature as Lanarkshire sets out to deliver the most successful ever Games, showcasing Lanarkshire to the world and leaving a lasting sporting legacy for young people throughout the area.

Councillor Jim Smith, co-chair of the Lanarkshire 2011 Organising Committee, said: "Between now and the Games we want as many people as possible to have an awareness of the Games and the information bus will enable us to reach a great number of people and spread the word about the Games and the legacy they will leave for young people throughout Lanarkshire for years to come."

Mhairi Hendry - a gold medal winner in the girls 4x100m relay at this year's Athens Games - is featured prominently on the bus with her medal. As a successful member of the Lanarkshire team in Greece, Mhairi is proud to be featured on the bus and serve as a role model for aspiring athletes in the area.

Mhairi said: "Athens was a great experience and it was amazing to win a gold medal. I'm really proud to be featured on the Lanarkshire 2011 information bus and I think it's a great idea. Hopefully, it will really raise interest in the games and encourage young people to get involved in sport."

The organising committee is sure Mhairi will be 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.

Councillor Michael McCann, who also co-chairs the committee, said: "Mhairi is the perfect choice to feature on the information bus. She is a role model for our young sports people and is the perfect example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication."

Up to 1500 competitors aged from 12 to 15, along with coaches, administrators and delegates from more than 70 countries will head to Lanarkshire for the International Olympic Committee-recognised event in August 2011.

Lanarkshire 2011 gives the area the opportunity to organise cultural programmes and ensure the Games are a truly community led experience.

This vision will give people - young and old - the prospect of becoming part of the biggest international event ever held in Lanarkshire.