Cambuslang is being encouraged to take up racketball in the new year to help charity.

MSP James Kelly is backing the Great Big Racketball Challenge for Mary’s Meals 2011, in the town.

During January and February, Scottish Squash and Racketball Ltd are encouraging schools, private clubs, public sports centres and offices to take up the sport to raise cash for Mary’s Meals.

The Cambuslang representative said: “Racketball is a really enjoyable and exciting new game and is an excellent sport for us to enjoy through the dark winter nights”.

“The current winter weather is not exactly conducive for outside sport and with a number of excellent courts across the area, there really is no excuse not to try Racketball. With the added incentive of supporting Mary’s Meals I can’t think of a better time to get active and try something new”.

“I’m hoping that many local residents will have a go at this fun new sport which is suitable for all ages and abilities - male and female alike, and take up the Challenge for Mary’s Meals at the same time”.

Ron Pearman, Scottish Squash and Racketball Ltd Chairman explained: “Firstly, Racketball is the UK’s fastest growing racquet sport. It’s played on a traditional squash court using a large racquet, similar to a tennis racquet, and a large rubber ball approximately twice the size of a squash ball. It is a great sport which is suitable for everyone whether you have played before or are new to the game. It’s easy to take up and it is a great way to get fit”.

“To give that little bit more motivation to get involved Scottish Squash and Racketball Ltd want everyone to take part in the Great Big Racketball Challenge for Mary’s Meals 2011 by creating their own RACKETBALL charity challenges to raise as much money as they can, through sponsorship, for Mary’s Meals - one of Scotland’s leading charities that currently feeds over 400,000 children in over 15 countries every day.”

Ron added: “As a further incentive for schools, private clubs, public facilities and offices, the four most creative sponsorship schemes will win £400 worth of DUNLOP sporting equipment graciously donated by our sponsor. That is four sets of equipment – one for each category”.

Will you be taking part in the challenge? Let us know if you’re taking up racketball and we’ll keep up with your fundraising efforts