Olympian Sebastian Coe was in Dumfries yesterday to give his seal of approval to the new Queen of the South cycle bridge.

The bridge was opened last year and connects the town centre to North West Dumfries, and is used daily by lots of walkers, cyclists and joggers.

Sebastian Coe was impressed with the initiative, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. He was joined by Sports Minister Shona Robison and sportscotland Chair Louise Martin.

The group took to the road in Dumfries, promoting the Commonwealth Games as a chance for everyone - young and old to get active.

The trio visited Lochside Primary School were pupils cycle to school and a DG One, where they saw demonstrations of badminton for the elderly, cheerleading and new age curling for children.


A major games legacy plan, with health as the central theme, is being developed by the Scottish Government and a wide range of delivery partners to harness the power and excitement of London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 and motivate everyone to improve their health by getting active.

Shona Robison said: "Getting out of the car and off the couch makes us feel better about ourselves and also reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

"Hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is not only about putting on a spectacular sporting extravaganza but also about leaving a lasting legacy of good health for the people of Scotland.

"I recently pledged to be active for 30 minutes a day in my own life. Whether it's walking more by getting off the bus a stop early or joining a local keep fit initiative, I believe it is possible for everyone to keep active."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the of the Olympic and Paralympic Games said: "Scotland has a double opportunity to secure a social, economic and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Games and the Glasgow 2014 Games.

"Both events will deliver inspiring sporting performances but the legacy starts now. Projects like the cycling and walking initiatives we saw today will enable more people to make positive changes in their lives."

(GK/JM)