Virgin Media, the UK’s leading communications and entertainment company, has kick started its sponsorship of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by finding out what Glaswegians love about their city. Also joining in the fun was 20 year old Laura Muir, a 1500m runner who is aiming to be part of Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014 and Commonwealth Game Chairman, Michael Cavanagh.
100 Virgin Media staff from the company’s Bellshill office took to the streets of Glasgow today to ask residents for their top tips, from restaurants and cafes to the best architecture, the hidden gems and where to find the best views of the city.
Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Media, said: “We can’t wait for the Games to begin next year and wanted to create a taster of the atmosphere and fun that the Games can bring. We thought that no one could shed light on the best bits of Glasgow better than Glaswegians themselves, so we brought 100 members of staff to town from our Bellshill offices to uncover and capture everything that’s great about the city.”
Laura, who had chance to meet and talk to Virgin Media staff as well as Clyde, the Games mascot said: “It is great to see everyone from Virgin Media getting involved and excited about the Games coming to Glasgow. Like all the athletes hoping to be on the team, I am really focused on competing well over the next few months and securing my place. As student at Glasgow University I know what an exciting city this is and what a great job it will do in hosting the Games and creating a carnival atmosphere.”
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, added: “There has been a real sense of fun at this event today and Virgin Media has really tapped in to the psyche of Glasgow and Glaswegians and what will make these Games a distinct festival of world-class sport and amazing cultures. It has been a celebration of what is great about the city and is a great indication of what kind of reception visitors can expect.”
Virgin Media employs around 800 staff in its Bellshill Centre, just east of Glasgow, making it one of the largest employers in the area and a major site for Virgin Media Business, which provides cutting-edge telecommunications services for local businesses and public sector organisations.
The Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, the venue for the cross-country Mountain Bike competitions at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, were officially opened today (Tuesday, 18 June) and Team Scotland hopeful, Rab Wardell was on hand to show off his skills.
With only 400 days remaining until the start of the Games, the new £600,000 facility, which overlooks the city at Cathkin Braes Country Park, is now complete and open to the public.
An action-packed 5.5km circuit was designed by the renowned Phil Saxena, the man behind the Beijing Olympic course and several UCI World Cup venues, in partnership with an in-house team at Glasgow City Council.
The course features mixed terrain, such as moorland, woodland and hillside bedrock, in a stunning setting, with links to local cycle routes. It has graded technical trail features and path widths, meaning it is suitable for riders of all abilities; but more skilled athletes will have a time advantage during racing.
MC1.jpgMichael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland, who was visiting the site for the first time said: “It is fantastic to see this Games venues now open, and also accessible to our top mountain bike athletes for training and competition to prior to the Games next year. Our athletes are really excited about a home Games and having this course on their doorstep will be of huge benefit in their preparations.
“Cathkin Braes will also be one of the iconic venues of the Games, overlooking the city and with some fantastic features that will test all of the riders and we urge the Scottish public to come out here and support us next year.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, added: “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and there has already been huge interest in these trails from riders in the city and much further afield.
“This is a really exciting addition to Glasgow’s top class sporting facilities – and, like all of the council venues that will be used during the Games, it is open to the public more than a year before the Opening Ceremony.”
Marc Austin completed his university maths exams then changed into his tri-suit and collected a brace of medals at the European Junior Triathlon Championships in Turkey.
The University of Stirling student, who finished his second year exams two weeks ago, collected the bronze in the individual race on Saturday then mustered up the energy to help Great Britain to victory in the mixed relay on the Sunday.
It was Austin’s second relay gold at this level and capped a wonderful weekend for the 19-year-old from Scotstoun, who will make the step up to the senior grade in time to push for selection at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“It was really good”, said Austin, understating the immense achievement over two days. “I wanted to win gold in the individual race, but I can be proud to have come back with a medal. You don’t tend to think too much about the relay as all the pressure is on the individual event, but to win the gold was great for the team.
“I wasn’t in a good way after the Saturday race as I’d put so much into it, but by the time the relay came round, the whole team is so up for it that it made me up for it too. We were in a good position by the time it was my leg so I just had to finish it off.”
Austin, who trains with the Scottish squad at the national triathlon performance centre on the University campus, started his season early and in some style, collecting a bronze medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) in January before returning to his maths studies.
He added: “I”ve always been big into numbers and triathlon is all about numbers with split times, how far behind the opponent is and what distance to go. Stirling is a great place to study and train and I”m looking forward to my third year.”
Also in Alanya, fellow Stirling student Grant Sheldon exercised some personal demons with a strong display to finish sixth. It was third time lucky at the European Championships for the 18-year-old from Hamilton, having crashed out in the 2011 race then, after qualifying last year, he broke a thumb 10 days before the 2012 event.
Scotland Assistant Triathlon Coach, Blair Cartmell, who was there with the Great Britain team, said: “I’m over the moon. It is a fantastic outcome to have two Scots in the top ten at a major championship and for Marc to return home with two medals. I have to give special praise to Grant as five weeks ago it didn’t seem likely Grant would be able to compete.”
Austin and Sheldon are two of more than 150 talented athletes across 32 Scottish colleges and universities currently receiving funding support and academic flexibility from the Winning Students scholarship programme. The programme is run by the University of Stirling as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and funded by the Scottish Funding Council.
You can follow Marc on Twitter @marcja94
Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
Team Scotland hopeful, Marc Austin, has treble the training workload in his bid to qualify for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The teenage triathlete from Scotstoun in Glasgow is swimming, cycling and running up to 30 hours a week, spurred on by the chance to make his first Team Scotland.
He said: “When you are training so much, you can get into your own bubble so to come together with other athletes and be a part of Team Scotland is inspiring, making you realise there are lots of people out there working just as hard.”
“I am very proud to be Scottish and would love to get the chance to put on a Scottish tri-suit at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. When I’ve been in Team GB, I feel like I am representing Scotland as well, but I’d love to do it for real, especially in front of a home crowd in my home city.”
“That really excites me as when you race abroad there are people cheering you on, but it makes a massive difference when you know the fans are cheering you on directly. I don’t get a chance to do big races in Scotland much, but seeing what the crowd was like for the Brits in London I am sure Glasgow can better that and it gives the Scottish triathletes a massive advantage.”
Austin, studying Mathematics at the University of Stirling, first started running and swimming at Scotstoun Primary School before taking up triathlon in his early teens, quickly rising up the rankings with the triathlonscotland national squads.
The 19-year-old is currently in his final year as a junior and is planning on qualifying for his third consecutive European and World Championships before turning his attention to the senior format – known as Olympic distance – comprising a concurrent 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.
In Glasgow, Strathclyde Park will host both an individual event and a new Mixed Relay event, a format Austin knows well having won the gold medal at the 2011 European Junior Championships.
“The relays are a different kind of buzz”, explained Austin. “It’s an exciting format and a fantastic addition to the sport programme at Glasgow 2014.”
“This year, being my last as a junior, I’m still focused on that distance. I’ve signed up for a French Grand Prix team and while it’s still sprint distance racing, it’s competing against the best guys in the world.
“I’m making the transition first with a few sprint races then I’ll hopefully get an Olympic distance race in this year. Next winter, my training will alter slightly to compensate for the change in distance and the start of next year is when I will start to properly concentrate on the Olympic distance.”
You can follow Marc on Twitter @marcja94
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine
With the Scottish Gymnastics Championships taking place in Perth this weekend (15-16 June) Commonwealth Games Scotland is pleased to publish the Team Scotland 2014 Gymnastics Selection Policy & Standards in conjunction with Scottish Gymnastics.
Officer Cadets from City of Edinburgh Universities Officer Training Corps (UOTC) fired a 21-Gun Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle today [Monday, 10th June 2013 at 12 noon] to mark the 92nd Birthday of Prince Philip, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
In addition to the Royal Salute, next year’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was also marked with a focus on the two venues in the East of Scotland.
Jen McIntosh, a Scottish and British rifle shooter, who competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games; and Scottish diver Grace Reid, the youngest member of the Scottish Commonwealth Team to compete at the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi were there to represent the athletes aiming for selection for Glasgow 2014.
Jennifer McIntosh, who in 2010 won two golds and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, making her the most successful Scottish female athlete at a single games, said: “It is a real privilege to have been invited to Edinburgh Castle today to witness the 21-Gun Royal Salute and to highlight the involvement of shooting in the Commonwealth Games at Barry Buddon, near Carnoustie.
“It is a busy time for the athletes competing for selection to Team Scotland and nothing would give me more pleasure than being able to defend my Commonwealth Games title next year.”
17 year old diver, Grace Reid said: “It has been really exciting to be at the Castle today for this special event and making the link to the Diving event at the Commonwealth Games which will be held here in Edinburgh next year.
“To compete at my home pool in the Commonwealth Games would be another major milestone in my career. The Royal Commonwealth Pool is where I learnt to dive and where I have grown up pretty much. To dive in front of a home crowd would be a dream come true.”
Glasgow 2014 Chairman Lord Smith, who joined both athletes said: “It is a real honour to be at Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic and popular landmarks to help mark HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s Birthday.
“Being in Edinburgh to mark the occasion gives the Organising Committee the chance to reinforce the message that the Games are for all of Scotland. From our record breaking volunteer programme to the Queen’s Baton Relay, there are opportunities for people in every region of Scotland to get involved and to help us deliver a successful Games that the whole country can be proud of.”
Brigadier Paul Harkness, Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade added: “The Ministry of Defence will be providing the Barry Buddon Training Centre at Carnoustie for the shooting competitions. We are looking forward to a truly memorable Games and wish the athletes from across the Commonwealth the very best of luck.”
Cheeky Glasgow 2014 Mascot Clyde also joined in the celebrations.
Commonwealth Games Scotland is pleased to confirm that Colin Mclaren has been appointed as the Team Scotland Team Manager for the sport of Wrestling at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Colin has been involved in Wrestling since the age of eight, competing for Great Britain in the 1986 World Championships.
In 2002 he took over as head coach of Falkirk Wrestling Club. Two years later he started Tullibody Wrestling Club and since opening, the club has produced 26 British title winners.
In 2010 Colin was Assistant Coach in Delhi and has been the coaching co-ordinator for Scottish Wrestling for the last five years.
We welcome Colin to the Team and look forward to working with him over the next 15 months.
Following his bronze medal success at the London 2012 Olympics, gymnast Daniel Purvis is already focussing his attentions on making his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow; and hopefully adding to his medal collection.
Dan said: “It would be fantastic to compete in Glasgow. It’s the next major competition on home soil and competing for Scotland in Glasgow would be incredible. It would be my first Commonwealth Games and combined with being in Scotland it would make it even better to get on that podium. I can’t wait.”
Dan missed the 2010 Games in Delhi due to a clash with the World Championships where he won bronze on floor, meaning Glasgow would be his first taste of competing with Team Scotland. And having won a team bronze in London, he knows all too well what impact a home crowd can have.
“Going into that arena in London and that team final especially was something I’ve never experienced in the sport and it was all about being on home soil” he says. “Stepping out into the arena, the crowd just erupted and as the competition went on the more they got behind us. You have family, friends, people you haven’t seen for ages supporting you, which is amazing. It’s just a case of concentrating and trying to focus in that moment.”
The support from the home crowd in Glasgow will undoubtedly be incredible and Team Scotland wants the whole country to get behind the athletes. Having last competed in Scotland at the Glasgow World Cup in December 2012, where he won all-round bronze, Dan is well aware of the passion for sport in the city.
Dan said: “Having my friends and family behind me as well as the amazing Scottish crowd would be brilliant. Having the crowd behind us is going to make the Commonwealth Games. I came up after the Olympics for the parade round the city and the buzz was amazing. It’ll be great to keep that buzz going and for the younger ones to have that experience. The World Cup after the Olympics was brilliant. I’ve never heard it so loud and it was great for the support.”
The next few months will be spent focussing on qualification for the Games, and Dan is relishing the opportunity of lining up for Team Scotland, and knows how important unity will be in Glasgow.
You can follow Dan on Twitter @PurvisDanny
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine
Bathgate’s Tommy Mann has waited patiently in the wings for his first big international opportunity.
He was travelling reserve for the successful Scotland team at last year’s World Championships. Prior to that he was sent to the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games as part of the Achieve programme for athletes to experience a multi-sport environment and benefit their own preparations for future medal success.
But things could be about to change for the 32 year old when Team Scotland’s bowls selection process for the Glasgow 2014 Games opens officially with this weekend’s 4 Nations Test event at Kelvingrove. Two teams from Scotland, ‘Clyde’ and ‘Kelvin’, will be competing in the event along with Ireland and Wales.
“I have experienced both events from the sidelines,” said the health and fitness club manager and former personal trainer who will skip the men’s Fours and Triples at Kelvingrove this weekend.
“I was fortunate enough to be in the Achieve programme in Delhi and to see the multi-sport team environment.
“And being selected as a reserve for the World Championship was my first opportunity to experience such a prestigious tournament and be out there with the guys. To be involved in that kind of success from a support point of view, was a great experience for me.
“So it would be a fantastic opportunity if I could be involved from a competitive point of view and to have that kind of experience in my own country would be second to none.”
Bowls is a core Commonwealth Games sport and since 1930 Scottish bowlers have won 13 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze medals.
Mann, who plays for Newbridge and holds the Scottish Indoors Singles title, knows that as host nation next summer in Glasgow the fight to get a place in Team Scotland will be more intense than ever. The lure of the once in a life time opportunity to compete in a major Games in front of a home crowd is not something to be underestimated.
“In Delhi not a lot of the competitors had friends and family there whereas in Glasgow everyone will be there to watch us,” he said.
“There will be a lot of media hype, and there is a lot of backing behind us and at Kelvingrove we have a fantastic, brand-new venue. So to have all that and be able to compete in front of your own supporters it’s going to be an amazing opportunity if we are selected.”
Like all 20 Scotland elite squad players, Mann has been practicing on the newly laid Kelvingrove greens. Now he can’t wait to get his selection campaign off to the best possible start.
“The selection is open now so this will be the first real competitive opportunity we have got to put ourselves forwards and put ourselves in the selection criteria,” he concluded.
“There is only so much practice and preparation you can do. It’s now down to the nitty-gritty of competition and we are obviously looking forward to playing against two other home nation countries this weekend.”
For more information on Lawn Bowls go to: www.bowlsscotland.com
Photo credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
Lesley MacDonald is a veteran of international netball – she reached the 100 cap mark back in May 2011 and has played in World Championships and other top level competitions around the world.
However, there is still one thing missing from her netball CV – a Commonwealth Games and she is going all out to make sure she adds that to her list of achievements in 2014.
MacDonald explains, “I have had the privilege to compete for Scotland for the past 13 years and have been at World Championships, but until now never had the opportunity to compete at a Commonwealth Games. I’m delighted we now have that opportunity and for me it would top off a very successful career.”
“It has been a long career and I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices, but at the same time I take a lot of pride in competing for my country and to do that at the pinnacle of a Commonwealth Games would be special. You train your entire career for these opportunities.”
MacDonald grew up in Kirkcaldy in a sporting family who’ve supported her aspirations every step of the way and she wants to repay them by representing Scotland on home soil at the Games.
“My family has had a major influence on my career; they’ve supported me since primary school when I was involved in every after-school club possible. Netball is about me playing but at the same time it’s about giving something back to my family for all the support they’ve given me. They are very excited for me to be involved and to support the team.”
Juggling top-level sport and a career is never easy but Lesley’s love of sport runs across both. MacDonald works as a Sports Development Office in Glasgow focusing on developing participation in netball and judo in schools and clubs. She is Assistant Coach to the Scotland U21 side and Technical Coach for Netball Scotland. She plays her own club netball with Scotstoun Netball Club.
“I’m working hard to get that dream of scoring for Scotland, but at the same time I don’t want to be too outcome focused before I make it. The hard work has started and I need to do everything I can to make the Team.”
“We have the European Championships in June so it’s an opportunity for us to have a home crowd with the potential team to compete at the Commonwealth Games so we have a full training programme which started on 1 March for the next 16 months. We have had an intense four and a half years and we’re now going into the last phase to take us up to the Commonwealth Games.”
Looking ahead to the Games, it’s the thrill of playing to a packed crowd on home soil that MacDonald thinks will be one of the high points for the team.
“Something we’re really looking forward to the most is showcasing the sport and showing Scotland what it’s like to compete on the international level. I am really looking forward to the Scottish crowd coming along to support us.”
“For me there is nothing better than stepping out onto the court and hearing the support behind you. To have that at the home Commonwealth Games is something every athlete involved will treasure for the rest of their careers.”
“This is the first opportunity to take part in a Commonwealth Games for us. You can get caught up in your own sport, so to be able to acknowledge the elite athletes across different sports will be nice and get to know them too. We will all be part of one team and it’s good to be able to support all the Scottish athletes and encourage them as they will us.”
You can follow Lesley on Twitter @lesleymac6
Photo Credit: Alistair Devine