The world’s largest youth sporting event, the International Children’s Games arrives in Scotland next month for the first time in history and ScottishPower is proud to be supporting the games by providing uniforms for the 1,500 volunteers involved in the event.

From the 3rd to 8th August 2011, hundreds of 12 to fifteen year old competitors from around 80 cities across the globe will descend upon Scottish shores for the 45th annual International Children’s Games.

ScottishPower recognises the important role volunteers play in ensuring the safety of participants and the smooth running of the event and they are pleased to be donating 1,500 highly visible and easily identifiable uniforms to the cause.

The volunteers will be stationed across eight sporting venues, five sports camps, arrival and departure points and buses going to and from each competition. 

The volunteers have not only been initially selected on the basis of their abilities, relevant experience and foreign language skills, but they have also undergone extensive training in the lead up to the event.

At 75 years old, ex-policeman Straton Sinclair from East Kilbride is one of the oldest volunteers involved in the project. Straton’s 30 years of experience as a policeman demonstrates his extensive expertise in dealing with public safety and shows the high calibre of volunteers involved.

Straton said: “I was keen to become involved in the event as it’s a fantastic way of promoting sport and encouraging an active lifestyle among the youth of today. Anything that helps young people enjoy and participate in sport is an extremely worthwhile thing to do.”

At the other end of the spectrum, 16 year old Motherwell schoolboy, David Kirk is the youngest member of the volunteer group and is going to be fulfilling the role of a badminton line judge during the event.

David said: “I heard about the opportunity through the Boy’s Brigade and thought it sounded fantastic. I want to study primary teaching at university and so I thought it would be a great chance to get some experience of working with children to help my application.”

The event has highlighted the strong community spirit throughout Lanarkshire with volunteers coming from far and wide to dedicate their time to the cause. Across the week, volunteers will donate an unbelievable 6,500 hours to the event.

Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at ScottishPower, said: “The International Children’s Games is a fantastic event and ScottishPower is proud to be contributing to Scotland’s hosting efforts by sponsoring the volunteers. The hard work and commitment of all those involved is vital in ensuring the safety of guests and the efficient running of the event.”

Councillor Jim Smith, co-chair of the Lanarkshire 2011 organising committee, said:  “We couldn’t put the Games on without the support of volunteers of all ages from Lanarkshire and beyond. We very much welcome ScottishPower’s commitment to the Games and their help will mean all our volunteers will be easily identifiable to the competitors, coaches and other visitors from cities all over the world.”

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of ScottishPower.

For further information on the International Children’s Games, visit www.icg-lanarkshire2011.com

For further media information, please contact Kay McCarthy or Roanna Katz on 0141 333 9585 / kay.mccarthy@bigpartnership.co.uk / roanna.katz@bigpartnership.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• ScottishPower is sponsoring the International Children’s Games 2011 through the provision of 1,500 uniforms for volunteers
• The Games are taking place from the 3rd – 8th August in Lanarkshire