Mini Olympics fun for twin towns

Aug 6 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

YOUNG athletes from all over Europe are in Perth to take part in a celebration of sport as part of Perth 800.

The event reaches a climax today.

With support from Perth and Kinross's European Funding pot, the Mini Olympiads is a cultural and sporting exchange programme last held in Germany in 2008 and features representatives from Perth's twin towns of Aschaffenburg and Bydgoszcz.

As well as sporting events in swimming, football, gymnastics, badminton, table-tennis and golf, Perth and Kinross Sports Council has also pulled together a series of cultural activities which kicked off on Monday with a Highland Night organised by local business, Hettie's Catering, who are also providing packed lunches for the 150 youngsters each day this week.

The group met in Bridge of Earn Institute and were treated to an evening of Scottish Country Dancing.

To give the youngsters a real taste of Perthshire, their local produce menu consisted of stovies made with locally sourced vegetables and beef.

Yesterday, Councillor Bob Ellis, chairman of the Sports Council, said: “Being able to showcase the talents of these athletes as part of Perth 800 is wonderful for the city and for us as organisers.The cultural part of the exchange is important for everyone.”

The Mini Olympiads included a Highland Games event in Perth and culminate in an awards ceremony at Dewars Centre tonight, where a ceilidh will test their dancing skills.