Champagne corks were popping all over the county as a joint bid from North and South Lanarkshire councils to host the 2011 International Children's Games was given the thumbs up in San Francisco.

The 25-strong ICG Committee delivered its unanimous decision on Thursday - shortly after 3am on Friday UK time - after being impressed with what Lanarkshire had to offer.

A bid team of Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox, NLC leader Jim McCabe, SLC depute leader Michael McCann and civic pride group New Lanarkshrie Limited chairman Ian Livingstone, had travelled across the big pond to present the county's case.

And they were jumping for joy when the decision was announced.

Councillor Jim McCabe said: "While we knew we had a great case and an outstanding presentation, there was always the thought in the back of
our minds that we could be pipped
at the post.

"When the ICG committee made its announcement, I have to admit I was overjoyed with emotion for what we had achieved for Lanarkshire.

"And I know that goes for my three colleagues who put forward such a passionate case for Lanarkshire."

Councillor Michael McCann added: "While we were hopeful that our bid would be successful, that did not stop the bid team spending hundreds of hours preparing the documents and the presentation for San Francisco that spelled out our belief that Lanarkshire would be the ideal venue for the 2011 Games.

"And now that we have succeeded, it means a unique sporting achievement for Lanarkshire and, together with the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, it really will put Scotland on the international sports stage, demonstrating a real strength and depth in terms of the country's facilities.

"We knew we had submitted a strong bid and our team who made the presentation was able to show to the ICG committee that Lanarkshire has the sporting and cultural resources, as well as the necessary infrastructure to stage a successful Games.

"But more than that, our team were able to demonstrate that there is a real enthusiasm building for the Games among the wider community and the athletes, coaches and officials who will now be heading for Lanarkshire in 2011 will be ensured of an extremely warm and gracious welcome."

The two councils, who had committed £1 million each to the bid, will now put into gear the first stages of an operation that will welcome almost 2,000 young athletes aged between 12 and 15 from over 70 countries.

For more coverage see the July 17 edition of the Times & Speaker.