Beyond the field

The country has fostered some of the finest sportsperson like Andy Murray and displayed their sporting spirit through games of football, rugby and golf.

In the city for CYG, Scottish sports minister Stewart Maxwell wishes to uphold sports as well as boost education, tourism and trade

The country has fostered some of the finest sportsperson like Andy Murray and displayed their sporting spirit through games of football, rugby and golf. With sports playing a prime role in its culture, team Scotland is all set to accrue experience and accreditations for its budding athletes in the Commonwealth Youth Games.

As children from the Hutchings High School cheer the Scottish athletes at the games, the Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell visited the School and conversed with the students on the Bond Forever project.

Communicating about CYG, Maxwell said, 8220;This is a right platform where the young athletes will get to develop themselves to get more competitive for bigger games like the Olympics. I would be indeed happy if my athletes bag a few medals but at the same time this is an opportunity to get exposed to the diverse cultures, climatic conditions and many such challenges that a player faces when he competes away from his home. Along with upholding sports we also wish to boost education, tourism, trade and business through this visit. 8221;

Maxwell feels that sports as a hobby or enjoyment is to be imbibed at a young age to help identify the talent in the children and also raise their self-esteem. 8220;The National Sports Body in Scotland funds 134 million pounds to coach and sponsor athletes and 12 million pounds on sports in all the schools. India and Scotland have different strengths in diverse games that have to be appropriately invested. India, I believe along with a strong youth population has a huge untapped potential. It is now rising in the sports arena and will definitely put in substantially,8221; adds Maxwell.

The students of Hutchings High School have adopted Scotland as their second team. The activity is intended to learn and bond with the players apart from heartening the team. 8220;We have 44 members participating in nine sports. We all are delighted to visit India. It was a fantastic and colorful welcome at the opening ceremony with wonderful dances and music. It is inspirational to see the schools interacting with the countries. I would request these students and all the people to visit Scotland next year for our Homecoming Celebrations. The 10-month long celebration will host a variety of events portraying the various aspects of the country. We will further accentuate our bonds through this visit,8221; added Maxwell.