Olympic spirit comes to Meadowbank

HUNDREDS of Capital schoolkids got a taste of Beijing at the annual Edinburgh Airport Youth Games.

The games, which featured an Olympic theme, were held at Meadowbank and pupils from 48 schools in the Capital took part.

Edinburgh Olympic swimming hopefuls Kris Gilchrist, Gregor Tait and Kirsty Balfour got things going and gymnastic display team The Spartans, Forth One presenter Mark Martin and Scottish rugby players David Callam and Craig Hamilton also joined in.

The schoolkids themselves competed in a variety of sports including athletics, basketball, football, golf, hockey, rugby and tennis.

Rhea Connor, 13, of Balerno High School, said after the games: "It's great the Olympic swimmers took an interest and meeting them was such an inspiration for us all to keep going."

Double Commonwealth champion Tait added: "It's great to see so many young people energised by sport at events like this."

Kevin Lang, head of communications for BAA Scotland, said: "We're delighted to be able to support what is a great day of fitness and fun for hundreds of local children.

"We're celebrating this being an Olympic year and it's great to have three of Scotland's hopefuls for Beijing here.

"They are a real inspiration to the sports stars of the future, and help to drive home the importance of keeping fit and participation in sport."

Neil Brown, director of customer services at Edinburgh Leisure, added: "The ethos of the Games is as much about participation as it is about competition and so, hopefully, the success of today will encourage some of the 1600-plus participants to take up a new sport or activity – and to adopt a healthier, happier lifestyle."