The final phase of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Smith Avenue Sports Development, the new grass pitch in the centre of the running track, was opened today as over 100 children from throughout the Western Isles took part in a football tournament and coaching sessions organised by the Scottish Football Association.

The opening co-incided with a visit from a party representing the Danish equivalent of the Sports Council and they were on hand to observe the opening of this latest facility in the Western Isles.

The pitch completes the £2.2m Smith Avenue Sports Development which includes all weather pitches with floodlights, an all weather running track and changing rooms.

Mr. Alasdair Macrae, Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee, said today:

"It is excellent news that this final phase of the Smith Avenue Sports development is now in use and I am delighted that children from throughout the islands are here today to make use of these first rate facilities. I am also pleased to welcome our Danish friends and I am particularly pleased that today they have been able to see the kind of sports activity that is going on in the islands.

Sport has a particular resonance in the islands and it is important that we provide good facilities which will allow our people to train and compete at a high standard".

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Issued by Nigel Scott, Communications Officer. Tel: 01851 709389

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