OLYMPIC gold medalist Katherine Grainger is backing an East End project to get youngsters into sport.

The rower, who finished first in the Double Sculls, is getting behind Active East, which works with community organisations between Easterhouse and the city centre.

And the group, which wants more youngsters to take part in sport before the Commonwealth Games, has received a £450,000 boost.

Katherine, who was born in Glasgow, watched young rowers take to the Clyde at the Glasgow Schools Rowing Club.

She said: "Active East will mean people on the doorstep of Glasgow 2014 will really have the chance to benefit from hosting the Commonwealth Games.

"After being a part of this fantastic summer of sport I know it's really important there is both the will and the financial back-up to make sure all the people who have been inspired to get involved with sport, either by participating or volunteering, can do just that."

The Big Lottery cash injection will help fund the Active East project for the next four years.

The group aims to help those who aren't already active to lead healthier lives as well as championing the development of young volunteers.

Sport Relief, the Big Lottery Fund and The Robertson Trust have all donated money to make up the £450,000.

Scottish Sports Future Chief Executive Ian Reid said: "Active East will provide a range of exciting opportunities for young people in the East of Glasgow to acquire the skills and experience required to build their own sports and physical activity legacy from the 2014 Games."

From the start of 2013 Active East will run a small grants programme to support more people to take part in physical activities.

Katherine added: "If there is one thing we've seen following the London Olympics, it is that major sporting events can inspire ordinary people to become involved in sport and lead fitter, more active lives – there is a real desire for that.

"Winning medals is important, of course – take it from me – but it will also be so important that the Glasgow Commonwealth Games really does provide a springboard for everybody to become just that little bit more active.

"It's good to see that, while Glasgow is concentrating on hosting a super Games, it is also setting up programmes and opportunities for everyone that will last well beyond the Games themselves. That will be the true legacy."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk