It’s game on for sporting school roadshow

In celebration of the Queen’s Baton Relay visiting the area (on July 16), every primary school in East Ren is being visited by the Active Schools project.

They will offer every pupil the chance to carry a special replica baton in their own version of the relay.

The youngsters have been able to take part in sports activities based around the Commonwealth sports rugby, bowls and athletics.

And back in the classroom, pupils are learning about the other countries competing in the Games — including India and Tuvalu, the countries officially twinned with East Ren in the Support a Second Team programme.

Barry Cook, senior Active Schools co-ordinator, said: “The response from pupils to the roadshows has been fantastic.

“Parents, teachers and the children themselves have gone to great efforts to dress up in the colours of their chosen Commonwealth country, and to make flags and banners, and everyone has had a great time enjoying the sports on offer.

“A big thanks needs to go to some of our community clubs — Whitecraigs Rugby Club, Pro-Judo and Barrhead Judo Club — who are supporting the events.”

The roadshow has also featured a few famous faces, as Braidbar Primary’s turn included a visit from Scotland rugby player Ruaridh Jackson, while Giffnock Primary welcomed local gymnast Amy Regan.

Secondary schools are next on the agenda, with a mini Games running at Eastwood High on June 11, thanks to £9,000 funding from Event Scotland.

There, teams from each high school will compete in a range of Commonwealth sports, and the winners will go on to compete for East Ren against teams from Glasgow, Refrewshire and Inverclyde on June 16.