Four South Lanarkshire athletes are ready to race their way to the top at the International Children’s Games.
Team South Lanarkshire’s athletics team is prepared for the event which will take place in Coventry next month.
The group of four, who recently won gold medals at the Scottish Schools Championships in Grangemouth, have high hopes for the Games.
The team is formed of Emma Clark who attends Lesmahagow High School, Angus Wilkinson who is a Duncanrig Secondary pupil, Owen Murphy who goes to Taylor High in New Stevenson and Tehillah Chioma Ikechukwu Okonkwo who attends St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw.
Emma, of Larkhall YMCA Harriers, Owen and Tehillah, both of Law and District AAC, are the fastest sprinters in Scotland at their age groups and Angus of EK Athletics Club won the under-15 1500 metres at Grangemouth where he set a new championship record.
Lesley McNicol and Tom McTaggart are coaching the four for the South Lanarkshire team.
Lesley said: “After attending ICG as a supporting parent in 2011, when Lanarkshire hosted, and 2013 in Canada, I’m excited to be going as a coach this time and can’t wait to experience ICG again.
“I’m delighted for the four athletes who are representing Lanarkshire, as it’s giving them their first chance at taking part in an international competition and they’re going to have an amazing time.
“They’re all buzzing with anticipation, as I am. Bring it on!”
Owen added: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity, and excited to experience the games and to compete at this high-standard international event.”
In December, South Lanarkshire Council approved funding for the team to take part in the event.
Along with the athletics team, a team for girls; football, and swimming will represent South Lanarkshire at the games which kick off on August 11.
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