Pacific islanders say thanks for East Dunbartonshire support

Norfolk Island has paid tribute to the area for ‘adopting’ its team for the Games.

East Dunbartonshire is ready to rally behind Norfolk Island when its competitors limber up as part of the ‘Support a Second Team’ campaign - a programme of events to engage the cultures of Commonwealth countries and further develop links between regions.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Baton arrived on the island on Sunday, December 22, and locals were keen to show their gratitude to East Dunbartonshire.

Pupils at Wester Cleddens Primary in Bishopbriggs recently forged links with Norfolk Island Central School, with support from Active Schools.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “It was wonderful to see the tribute from our new friends on Norfolk Island.

“Excitement is building in East Dunbartonshire as we get closer and closer to the Commonwealth Games. It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of sport and is also a terrific opportunity for local young people to learn about different places and cultures.

“I look forward to cheering on Norfolk Island - as well as Scotland and our other ‘second teams’ - when the Games begin.”

As part of the ‘Support a Second Team’ campaign, East Dunbartonshire will also be backing Jamaica and Namibia.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is due to arrive in Namibia on January 28 and Jamaica on April 5.

Lyndsey Jackson, Active Schools Co-ordinator, said “With the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow and the Ryder Cup coming to Gleneagles in 2014, there is no better time to inspire the children and young people of Scotland to participate in sport.

“The ‘Support a Second Team’ programme is just one of many initiatives supported by Active Schools and it is great to see the children so enthused.”