SMITH CONGRATULATES ANDREW LEMONCELLO

5.49.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Aug 2007

Iain Smith MSP has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament to congratulate North East Fife athlete, Andrew Lemoncello on being selected to represent the UK in the World Championships in Athletics which will take place in Osaka later this month.

UK Athletics announced on Tuesday that Mr Lemoncello would compete for the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team in the 3000m Steeplechase. His name was amongst 47 announced in the first wave of selections for the world championships.

Mr Smith said: "This is a remarkable achievement. So far Andrew Lemoncello is the only Scottish athlete to be selected as an individual competitor. I have written to him wishing him luck for the Championships and will certainly be keeping a keen eye on events in Japan".

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The full text of the motion is:

'S3M-00336 Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): Good Luck to Andrew Lemoncello - That the Parliament congratulates Andrew Lemoncello on his selection to represent the United Kingdom in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, Japan, following his success in winning the UK/GB trial in Manchester and wishes Andrew every success in Osaka.'