Scottish Catholic Observer

The mini-version of the international sporting event, to be held from July 23 in Glasgow, was the idea of Salvation Army officers Matt and Sarah Butler who were supported by volunteers from the charity.

The aspiring athletes competed in a variety of events including football tournaments and an egg and spoon race, and held a mock commonwealth baton procession before a medal ceremony for the day’s winners (above).

Teams were a mixture of ages, genders and schools, as youngsters made new friends and enjoyed a day to remember.

St Patrick’s pupil Esther Olowe said she’d had a great day. “I enjoyed taking part in some new games I’d never played before,” she said. “It was fun to be on the same team as pupils from Anderston Primary. Hopefully we can do this more often.”

Louise Kerr, headteacher at St Patrick’s, thanked the Salvation Army for organising the event and said ‘the kids had a magical day.’

Mr Baker from the Christian charity said he couldn’t have asked for a better day. “The weather has been great and the kids have been great,” he said. “It has just been so good to bring these schools together. Everyone has competed well. Lots of energy, lots of laughter, lots of cheering each other on and it has just been what we wanted. It was a day of celebration, a day of fun and a day to say we’re all in this together. Let’s get excited about the summer and about our community.”

The sports day was part of the Salvation Army’s Sport for Good initiative to encourage communities across Scotland to become more active.

Former Airdrie youth footballer Bobby Weir, the charity’s sports ministry co-ordinator in Scotland, believes the excitement surrounding Glasgow 2014 has helped breathe even more enthusiasm into those involved.

“The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has ever hosted and we want to use the excitement felt by Scots as a platform to build a sporting legacy at our churches up and down the country,” he said. “Sport already plays an important role in many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK, bringing not just physical benefits but helping unite communities.

“Through sport, The Salvation Army is serving those in difficult life situations by simply having fun or making welcome those who normally cannot join in. And in many of our Lifehouses [homeless centres], sport is enabling residents to learn life skills, build relationships and regain confidence.”

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