Hundreds of Greater Glasgow scouts jumped to the beat today (Wednesday, 1st August) to celebrate 100 days to go until Glasgow learns if it has won the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.  Every scout who took part in the mass aerobic workout received a limited edition, commemorative Glasgow 2014 / Scouting Sunrise badge to mark the occasion.

The extra large exercise class was the pinnacle of Glasgow's Scouting Sunrise celebrations, which commemorate 100 years of world scouting. The ceremony, which took place in George Square Glasgow, was celebrated by local Scouts who joined 28 million others from around the world to re-affirm their promise to build a tolerant and peaceful society, in the largest ever worldwide display of peace and harmony.

Sports and other well-known personalities from across the city, including Commonwealth medallist Chris Ballie and double Olympian Rhona Simpson, Real Radio DJ Steve McKenna and Celtic players  Darren O'Dea and Mark Wilson, led the session choreographed by fitness instructors from Scotstoun Leisure Centre, a key Glasgow 2014 venue.

Avid sports and scouting fan Tam Cowan joined in the keep-fit activities, which included 20 lunges, 14 jumping jacks and a lot of puffing and panting.  Afterwards he presented the first-ever Scouting Sunrise/ Glasgow 2014 badge to Hannah Johnston.

A scout from Kilsyth, 12 year-old Hannah said; "Today has been brilliant.  I'm passionate about scouting and about sport – both of which bring together so many young people from different backgrounds.   I think its great the City's celebrations to mark 100 days to go and 100 years of world scouting have been brought together in this way.  I will always treasure my badge and wear it with pride – maybe we can even gain another badge for helping out during the Games."

Rhona Simpson, who took part in the 2006, 2002 and 1998 Commonwealth Games, said; "Seeing all that energy today was a real buzz, just think what the Games would be like with 6,000 not 600 athletes.  Yet today brings home how little time there is left to convince the world Glasgow is ready and wants to win.  Like the Scout motto we need to 'Be Prepared'; if you've still to Back Scotland's Bid, please follow in the scouts footsteps and register your support today".

Speaking at the event Derek Casey, Glasgow 2014 bid director, added; "The Commonwealth Games share the same sentiments as World Scouting; equality, tolerance and integrity.  Also enjoyment and events like this show what a fun city Glasgow really is, as the delegates visiting from the Caribbean will experience first-hand this week."

He continued; "Whether working towards a scout badge or striving for gold, the people of Glasgow will cheer you on to the performance of your life. With just over 100 days to go until we find out the result of the race for 2014 we are very much entering the home strait. Like the Scouts today, millions of Scots have Backed the Bid demonstrating the hunger that this country has for success.  We will be giving it our all, delivering the performance of our lives to bring the prize home on November 9."

Gary Bainbridge, Great Glasgow Scouts Media Officer, said; "The centenary celebrations have been a great success and it was a privilege to help the City mark the start of the final push in the race to win the Games for Glasgow.  Today provided an opportunity to reflect on Scotland and World Scouting's achievements and to look to the future - a future Greater Glasgow Scouts hope will include a Commonwealth Games held in their City in 2014."

Glasgow 2014 major supporter Highland Spring kept the kids hydrated during the workout, by providing water for all who participated.  Marketing Manager, Claire Wilson, said: "The giant exercise class was an inspirational and fun event for everyone involved. It was a great way to get young people active and raise awareness of the bid in Glasgow.  Staying hydrated during sport is essential and as the UK's leading producer of bottled water, we are proud to be one of the major supporters of the Bid.  It is important, as we draw closer to the bid decision on the 9 November that we encourage more Scottish youngsters to get involved in sports and become more active.  There is nothing like seeing competitive sport first hand to get people motivated."

In the UK alone up to 400,000 scouts up and down the country participated in hundreds of Scouting Sunrise events, with Brownsea Island in Devon the global focal point for World Scouting's centenary celebrations.  At 08.00 two young people from over 160 countries united to lead Scouts across the world in renewing their promise.  As part of the celebrations, Scouts from Glasgow will join 40,000 young people from around the world in Essex to take part in the largest ever World Scout Jamboree, lasting 12 days.

Gordon, a member of Scotland West Jamboree Unit said; "Today is a truly magical milestone for Scouting. I am so excited about attending the World Scout Jamboree and meeting Scouts from all around the world. If all the young people represented at Jamboree can deliver the Scout promise when they get back home, we really can help build a more peaceful world.  And I am fully behind Glasgow's bid for the 2014 Games; it would be an honour to welcome the many friends from around the Commonwealth I have made this week to enjoy the Friendly Games in the Friendly City"