The scheme aims to provide children from every local authority area with a ticket for specific events at one of the 13 sporting venues being used for the Games.

Games sponsors and Scotland's business community are meeting the cost of the scheme, which will also see transport and meals provided.

"Young people have always been at the heart of our ambitions for Glasgow 2014 and Gift of the Games is our way of ensuring that  young people who wouldn't normally have this opportunity can now be part of Glasgow and Scotland's moment on the global stage," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"Sport brings people together, inspires and creates a real sense of shared success."

The Gift of the Games scheme will be delivered through charity Cash for Kids in partnership with official Glasgow 2014 sponsor Bauer Media.

Chairman of Cash for Kids, Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, the former First Minister of Scotland, said: "Glasgow 2014's Gift of the Games creates opportunities for young people to see heroes up close and in action, and will lift spirits and create dreams that could last forever, ensuring the legacy reaches those facing the biggest challenges.

"Cash for Kids exists to change the lives of the most vulnerable local children, so we are thrilled to support the delivery of the Gift of the Games for Glasgow 2014."

Around 5,000 children will get the opportunity to attend events free at Glasgow 2014 including some of the swimming competitions at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre
©Getty Images



Adams, who will be aiming for gold in the ring as women's boxing makes its Commonwealth Games debut next month, visited Royston Youth Action in the North-East of Glasgow where she met some of the young people who will benefit directly from the scheme.

"Gift of the Games is a fantastic initiative and it is great that Glasgow 2014 is doing this," said the 31-year-old, who will lead England's boxing team at the Games.

"The ticketing programme for Glasgow is a huge success, so it's fantastic some tickets have been kept aside to help create a legacy for the Games.

"I know first-hand how important community facilities are and to think some of these guys from Royston Youth Action might have the chance to see me or other athletes compete is great.

"It is projects like this which make a difference to the lives of young people in the area, who will benefit greatly from this initiative.

"I've been really inspired by what I've seen today - the sense of community, the passion for sport and for the Games."

There are still tickets available for a number of the 233 ticketed sessions at the Games, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The Games are due to get underway on July 23 and last until August 3.

Tickets can be bought by clicking here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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