YOU don't have to be an elite athlete to get in on the action surrounding the Commonwealth Games.

A series of sporting events for older people is taking place in the city to celebrate the Games coming to Scotland.

The Summer of Sport is open to over 60s who are tenants of GHA, Cube Housing Association, West Lothian Housing Partnership and Loretto Housing, part of Wheatley Group.

Nancy Smith, 88, said: "It looks like great fun. I'll take part in as many of the events as I can.

"I think it's a great idea as it brings people from all over the city and beyond together. It would be nice to be in with a chance of winning a medal."

Hundreds have already signed up to take part in free competitions over the summer, involving everything from bowls and swimming to pitch and putt, walking, giant Jenga and indoor javelin.

There will also be special craft competitions, with art and photography prizes in the legacy project to mark the 2014 Games.

Frances O'Rourke, 82, said: "It's a good way for us all to feel part of the Commonwealth Games. We're really getting into the spirit of it.

"Keeping fit is really important. I love going for walks and I try and get out every day."

Margaret Moore, Wheatley Group Summer of Sport organiser, said there will be medals and prizes for overall winners.

"This is a fantastic way to celebrate the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow and for the over 60s to take part in some great, fun sporting activities," she added. "You don't have to be great at sport to join in and keep fit."

Heats will be split into three areas. The North-East qualifiers will be held at Easterhouse Leisure Centre on July 8.

The North-West heat is at Springburn Leisure Centre on July 9, with the South qualifiers on July 10 at Castlemilk Leisure Centre.

The heat winners will qualify for the grand final at the Emirates Arena. Heats and the final are being organised in partnership with Glasgow Life.

Tenants who are eligible should have already received a letter with details on how to register.

It's still not too late to join in. Interested tenants and groups should speak to their housing officer, housing support officer or register at one of the Silver Deal arts and exercise classes run by GHA and Glasgow Life.

Summer of Sport events will give older people a fun and easy way to keep active, which is the ethos of the Evening Times year-long Active 2014 campaign, aimed at improving the health of Scots in the year of the Games.