Trainers 'can show Games support'

Mar 5 2013

Pupils and teachers are being urged to show support for the Commonwealth Games by swapping their normal footwear for trainers in the classroom.

Glasgow 2014's Sport Your Trainers campaign is linking up with schools and asking young people to get involved in Commonwealth Day on March 11.

It is the third year of the campaign, with last year seeing around a million organisations, groups and individuals in Scotland take part.

Organisers hope young people will feel motivated to get involved in the Games and will be encouraged to try out one of the event's 17 sports, or learn about some of the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories.

Clyde, the official Glasgow 2014 mascot, will turn up at schools across the country to promote the Sport Your Trainers message.

Paul Zealey, Glasgow 2014 head of engagement and legacy, said: "Glasgow 2014's Sport Your Trainers campaign has been hugely successful over the past two years and now that we have unveiled our official Games mascot Clyde, we want young people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland to sport their trainers with him.

"On March 11, Commonwealth Day, pupils across the country will be encouraged to wear their trainers to school and Clyde will be popping up in several places for a surprise visit.

"The 2013 Sport Your Trainers campaign is an opportunity for young people to join in and feel part of the exciting journey to Glasgow 2014, the largest multi-sport event Scotland has ever seen."

Glasgow 2014 will be the 20th Commonwealth Games and are being held from July 23 to August 3.