Region wins 'Mini Olympics' bid

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Lanarkshire has won the race to host the International Children's Games in 2011.

The successful bid for the so-called "Mini Olympics", was put forward by North and South Lanarkshire councils.

About 2,000 youngsters from around the world will come to the area to compete in sports including athletics, swimming, golf and football.

The councils beat off stiff competition from Singapore and Daegu in South Korea and committed more than £2m to the bid.

"While we knew we had a great case and an outstanding presentation, there was always the thought in the back of our minds that we could be pipped at the post," said North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim McCabe.

"When the International Children's Games committee made its announcement, I have to admit I was overjoyed with emotion in what we had achieved for Lanarkshire.

"And I know that goes for my three colleagues who put forward such a passionate case for Lanarkshire."

The games committee made its unanimous decision to back the Lanarkshire bid in San Francisco, where this year's event is being staged.

Venues such as the Airdrie Leisure Centre, the Dollan Leisure Centre and the planned £29m regional sports facility at Ravenscraig would host sporting events.

First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the announcement that the games, first held in 1968, would be coming to Scotland.