SPORTS equipment from the Commonwealth Games will be distributed to communities around Scotland after the event in Glasgow finishes this summer.

Clubs, schools, councils and governing bodies will receive items ranging from rugby balls, netballs and shuttlecocks to whistles, stop watches and more.

Larger items of equipment from seven of the sports in the Games programme such as athletics starting blocks, boxing training rings and table tennis tables will also be available, and will be allocated through an application process.

All 32 of Scotland's local authorities will be given an allocation of equipment through the Glasgow 2014 legacy plan.

The national agency for sport, sportscotland, is managing the process in partnership with the ­Glasgow 2014 organising committee.

Stewart Harris, chief ­executive of sportscotland, said: "Glasgow 2014 offers sportscotland a fantastic opportunity to accelerate our plans towards developing a world-class sporting system at all levels. We are making enormous strides in realising that ambition."

An application process is now open to allocate the limited number of larger items from aquatics, athletics, boxing, rugby, shooting, table tennis and wrestling.

Glasgow 2014 chief ­executive David Grevemberg said:"It is fantastic that following the Games selected sports equipment, which has been used on the field of play by the elite athletes of the Commonwealth, will make its way into schools to leave a sporting legacy for communities across Scotland."

The announcement comes during legacy week (June 9 to 13) which has seen people, communities and organisations across Scotland highlight the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games and Sport Secretary Shona Robison said: "Delivering a lasting legacy of a healthier and happier Scotland is fundamental to the Commonwealth Games."