MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

C&W supports Falklands' athletes.

Cable & Wireless have long been supporters of Falkland Islands athletes attending overseas games.

They donate £2,000.00 to either the Commonwealth or Island Games athletes each year the Falklands compete. This year they have donated the money to the Commonwealth Youth Games which will be held in Bendigo, Australia between the 29th November and the 4th December 2004.

"It's an excellent opportunity for our young athletes to broaden their horizons and to compete at a higher level", said Emma Edwards, Customer Services Manager at Cable & Wireless.

"We have long supported adult events, shooting, golf, horse racing and now we are pleased to help the younger members of the Falklands community to compete in these games. We have a very good team, who I'm sure will represent the Falklands splendidly. Cable & Wireless wish them all the best of luck".

24 Commonwealth nations will be competing with up to 1,000 athletes and officials being accommodated in La Trobe University. A total of 10 different events will be battled out by the young athletes, including Swimming and Athletics, the two areas where the Falklands will be competing.

Bendigo has a population of 92,000 people and is just north of the City of Melbourne. It was built after gold was found in 1851. Originally called Sandhurst, the name was changed to Bendigo after a shepherd who grazed his flocks in the river valley. If the Australians give the same sort of welcome as they did in the 2000 Olympics, this is an event our young citizens will remember for the rest of their lives. (CW nr)