Day of Champions - Primary Pupils Take Part In Mini Commonwealth Games

Pupils at two different faith schools in Glasgow came together for a sports day as part of a Salvation Army initiative to create a legacy from the Commonwealth Games.

The Anderston church and charity staged a mini Games of its own – called Day of Champions – for children from neighbouring St Patrick’s and Anderston primary schools.  

Teams were a mixture of ages, genders and schools – as youngsters made new friends and enjoyed a day to remember. The Day of Champions was the idea of Salvation Army officers Captain Matt and Sarah Butler who were supported by a team of volunteers.

Captain Matt said: “The sports day was a gift from The Salvation Army to the community.   “We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather has been great and the kids have been great. It has just been so good to bring these schools together.  

“Everyone has competed well. Lots of energy, lots of laughter, lots of cheering each other on and it has just been what we wanted. It was a day of celebration, a day of fun and a day to say we’re all in this together. Let’s get excited about the summer and about our community."
 

St Patrick's pupil Esther Olowe said: "I had a great day and enjoyed taking part in some new games I'd never played before. It was fun to be on the same team as pupils from Anderston Primary. Hopefully we can do this more often."  

Louise Kerr, head teacher at St Patrick's Primary, said: "A big thanks to Matt and his team for organising this event. Thanks to their support. the kids had a magical day.  

"Anderston is one of many Salvation Army churches and centres across Scotland that have received a grant of £1000 from their divisional headquarters to use sport to help improve people’s lives.   Major Russell Wyles, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in West Scotland, said: “We are supporting our frontline community work by providing an injection of funds to help them run Commonwealth Games-related activities.”  

Former Airdrie youth footballer Bobby Weir, The Salvation Army’s sports ministry co-ordinator in Scotland, is leading an initiative called Sport for Good to encourage communities across Scotland to become more active.   

The Salvation Army is also part of the More than Gold mission programme that will see the church and charity work with other Christian denominations on a range of exciting activities.   Bobby, 23, believes the excitement surrounding Glasgow 2014 has helped breathe even more enthusiasm into Salvation Army churches involved.   

He said: “The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has ever hosted and we want to use the excitement felt by Scots as a platform to build a sporting legacy at our churches up and down the country.   

“Sport already plays an important role in many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK, bringing not just physically benefits but helping unite communities.  

“Through sport, The Salvation Army is serving those in difficult life situations by simply having fun or making welcome those who normally cannot join in. And in many of our homeless lifehouses sport is enabling residents to learn life skills, build relationships and regain confidence.”

Listen to ‘Day of Champions’ on Audioboo