Active Games 2014 – A Region-wide sporting success
Over 1,000 young people from all over the region took part in the 2014 Active Games at Dumfries High School on Friday 12 September. The Active Schools and Community Sport Team from Dumfries and Galloway Council organised the event which involved over 80 schools from across Dumfries and Galloway taking part.
In a change from the previous event format all Primary 6’s in the region and a select number of older children with additional support needs were invited to a fun and inclusive celebration of sport which linked to major sporting events in 2014 such as the Commonwealth Games and FIFA World Cup. The children competed in Athletics, disability sport activities, Football, Hockey, Netball and Rugby on the day using all indoor and outdoor sports areas at Dumfries High School.
The event followed a Positive Coaching Scotland ethos where there were no medals for coming first in an event or being on a winning team as the awards on the day were for fair play, effort, team work and 
sportsmanship. The key message to the children was that sport isn’t just about winning, but it is a great way to support a healthy body and mind, can enable you to socialise and meet new people and above all else should be fun and enjoyable. The event was delivered by Council staff with the support of over 20 sports students from Dumfries and Galloway College which provided a practical experience required as part of their qualification. 100 senior pupils from the regions secondary schools and a range of other volunteers also helped to deliver the activities. There was further support provided by sports governing bodies and local sports clubs.
All those in attendance were provided with details of local sports clubs where they could continue with the sport in our local community.
Councillor Tom McAughtrie, Chair of the Council’s Community and Customer Services committee said: ”The Active Games was a great opportunity for children from all over the region to come together and celebrate what has been a great year for sport. I fully support providing this platform to further participation as well as the Positive Coaching Scotland ethos which supports the idea that sport is for all.”
For further information about sport in your area check out www.dumgal.gov.uk
