MORE than 1,000 primary and secondary children competed in an Inverclyde sporting showpiece which has been hailed a huge success.

The youngsters revelled in the Inverclyde Commonwealth Games Festival of Sport, which was aimed at raising awareness of the Glasgow 2014 games and encouraging more kids to enjoy exercise.

There were 390 gold, silver and bronze medals up for grabs over two days of primary, secondary and additional support needs (ASN) school contests.

The festival, in its second year, was opened last Tuesday by Clydeview Academy pupil Greg Williams, the school's young ambassador for sport and the current Scottish Athletics 800 metre under-18 champion.

Greg carried the giant Queen's baton into Lady Octavia Sports Centre after it had completed a 21-mile trip around Inverclyde visiting every school in the district the previous week.

Six secondary and two ASN schools battled it out in athletics, hockey, boys' rugby and girls' football contests staged at Lady Octavia, All Saints Primary and Greenock Wanderers' ground at Fort Matilda.

The schools competed as various Commonwealth countries with Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago represented by Clydeview Academy and Glenburn School respectively, and all of the youngsters displaying strong sporting talent.

Last Wednesday, Inverclyde Council's head of education, Wilma Bain, officially opened the primary festival, which saw 20 primaries and two special schools compete in athletics, hockey and netball at Notre Dame High.

All Saints, Lady Alice, Kilmacolm and Glenburn came out on top after some fantastic performances.

Councillor Terry Loughran, education convener, praised the event and hailed it a huge success.

He said: "This is a fantastic series of events organised by Inverclyde Council's Active Schools and Sports Development Team, with the aim to motivate and inspire local children to get involved in sport.

"It is encouraging to see so many children participating in sports competition at the impressive sports facilities of Notre Dame High School." During the festival, there was also a special appearance from Clyde, the Glasgow 2014 games mascot, which was well received from adults and children alike.

The event was supported by the Games For Scotland fund, a programme which is managed by EventScotland and forms a key part of the Scottish Government's commitment to deliver a lasting legacy as a result of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Active Schools and Sports Development Team would like to thank Inverclyde Athletics Club, Clyde All Stars Netball Club, Notre Dame Schools Netball Team, Greenock Hockey Club, Street League, Baby Grand Production Company, Pride of the Clyde, St Andrew's First Aid and each of the venue hosts for their support.