As the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games approach, Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, looks ahead to the excitement and challenge of an overseas Games:

The Commonwealth Games is the only multi-sport Games in which Scots get to compete under the Scotland flag, making it extremely special.

Incredibly, it is nearly four years since our home Games in Glasgow and not only was it publicly declared as ‘the best Games ever’, Team Scotland delivered its best performance ever, winning 53 medals and creating numerous memorable moments that will live on in Commonwealth Games history.

So as we make our final preparations for Gold Coast 2018, our mission is clear and we head ‘down under’ aiming to win more than the 29 medals we won at Melbourne 2006, which would represent our best overseas Games ever.

Given a number of changes to the sport programme from Glasgow and the fact that for many sports they are competing out of season in the southern hemisphere, this will be no mean feat. However I am confident we have selected a fabulous team of 224 athletes that will rise to the challenge and perform with distinction.

Our research continues to show how important the success of Team Scotland is to the Scottish public and how they strongly associate with our Team values: Proud, United, Ambitious, Inspirational and Inclusive. I am sure Team Scotland’s performance in Gold Coast will continue to excite and inspire the nation.

Good luck to all the athletes and staff and I look forward to watching you in action and meeting the many family and friends who are going out to support you.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners especially the Scottish Government, sportscotland, CGI and Emirates for their magnificent support, helping to ensure we can provide our athletes with the best possible environment to excel at the Games.

Here’s to a great Games on the Gold Coast!