HUNDREDS of young Glasgow athletes will get into the Commonwealth spirit tomorrow as a major PE festival gets under way.

Primary six pupils from 32 of the city's schools will take part in the one-day event which is being staged at Kelvin Hall International Arena.

One of the stars of the new festival is Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Steve Frew, who was called upon to help inspire the next generation of athletes in time for 2014.

The gymnast will be performing at the opening ceremony for the festival, which will include comp- etitons in athletics, rugby, badminton, hockey, gym- nastics and dancing.

Each of the schools will adopt a Commonwealth country for the day and will compete under their chosen flag.

And it's hoped Steve will encourage the youngsters to develop sporting ambitions of their own so that they can represent their country at the 2014 Games.

The event has been organised by Glasgow City Council to help persuade youngsters to take up sports and in doing so, adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Primary PE manager Christine Watson and her colleagues have been working hard behind the scenes, determined to ensure the festival is a success.

She said: "We have made sure that all the activities are ones children are familiar with.

"With the help of the Glasgow School of Sport I'm sure the day will be a fitting celebration for the city as hosts of the Commonwealth Games in 2014."

The festival follows a Scottish Country Dancing festival and Glasgow Primary Schools Cross Country championships in March.

Glasgow's executive member for education and social renewal, councillor Gordon Matheson, said: "Research has shown that active kids are more likely to do better at school and are healthier in the long term.

"I hope all the children enjoy their day and I am sure they will be even more excited than usual because of the Commonwealth theme."