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School Games off starting blocks | School Games off starting blocks |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave has met Chancellor Gordon Brown at the launch of the inaugural UK School Games. | |
The three-day event in Glasgow sees more than 1,000 children from across the UK competing in a range of sports. | |
Sir Steve, a five-times Olympic gold medallist for rowing, examined the games facilities at Scotstoun Stadium. | |
It is the first in a series of annual School Games to be held in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics. | |
Able-bodied and disabled youngsters will take part in a host of activities, including athletics, table tennis, gymnastics, fencing and swimming during the games. | |
'Rewarding experience' | |
Sir Steve said: "I have been extremely impressed with the organisation of the UK School Games. | |
"It would have been magnificent for me to have had a competition like this when I was a young, aspiring athlete. | |
"I'm sure the 1,000 children who are here in Glasgow to compete will have a rewarding experience which can only help them in their development." | |
As well as an appearance from Sir Steve, the contest will see inspirational visits from other Olympic heroes including double gold medallist Kelly Holmes, swimming champion David Wilkie and world champion runner Liz McColgan. | |
The games will cost about £1.5m to stage and are being funded by the Millennium Commission. | |
Sir Steve was also attending a special opening ceremony at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre later. | |
Scottish Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson, her Westminster counterpart Richard Caborn and Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, were also making speeches at the event. | |
The games' closing ceremony will take place at Glasgow's Science Centre on Sunday. | |
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