Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in cycling, James McCallum, joined young leaders at Hampden today to launch this year’s Lead 2014 programme with a call for action to young people to be involved in the build-up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Lead 2014 – a partnership between sportscotland, Youth Sport Trust and Glasgow 2014 – is designed to develop the skills of youth leaders and the programme will be rolled out across seven University conference dates in March 2013.
The intention is to use sport as a springboard to hone and develop leadership ability among young people and, in turn, provide an opportunity for children across the region to engage with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
This year’s Lead 2014 will see a greater emphasis on social media during the conferences with those attending encouraged to use Twitter and Facebook to enhance their experience of the day.
At each of the conferences, secondary school young leaders, will be mentored by university student tutors, in how to plan, organise and manage a Commonwealth Games themed sports festival.
The pupils then take their new skills and knowledge back to their communities to organise a sports festival for their local primary and secondary schools.
Using Glasgow 2014 as the catalyst, Lead 2014 will capture young people’s energy and enthusiasm for sport and enable them to become leadership ambassadors.
It will also help to motivate them to play a significant part in the huge volunteering effort around the Commonwealth Games and become volunteers in sport in the future.
As plans progress for Team Scotland’s participation in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) confirmed that it will be holding a final Preparation Camp in July 2014.
Up to 14 sports have signed up to attend the camp for their final training and preparation in the lead-in to the Games, with all 17 sports expected to attend for kitting out and final briefing sessions 4-6 July.
An experienced project management / operational team have now been appointed and over the next few months they will scope out the sport’s detailed requirements and the Camp venue will be confirmed. The management team includes: Lisa Allan (Glasgow), Andy McSweeney (Edinburgh), Gail Niven (Stirling) and Mark Ritchie (Aberdeen).
Lisa Allan, who has recently returned to Scotland having been the Judo competition manager at London 2012, has worked with Team Scotland before as Judo Team Manager in 2002 and General Team Manager for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India in 2008.
Gail Niven has also worked with Youth Team Scotland as Deputy General Team Manger for the Isle of Man Games in 2011, and in her full time role works as part of the Sport Development Team at University of Stirling.
Andy and Mark are new to Commonwealth Games, however both of them worked as staff members at the Team GB Preparation Camp in Loughborough last summer, gaining an invaluable insight into the role that the camp plays.
Elinor Middlemiss, Games Team Operations Manager, who has been responsible for driving this area of Team Scotland preparations forward said: “The Preparation Camp is a crucial element in the sports’ final preparation plans and I am delighted that we have got such a committed and experienced team on board to co-ordinate and deliver it.
“With the team now in place we are confident we will be in a position to finalise our plans over the next few months including location.”
And they’re off! Commuters across Scotland were urged to aim for a new ‘personal best’ today (Monday, 14 January) – by applying to be one of the volunteers who will be the friendly faces making the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games an amazing experience for athletes and spectators alike.
To celebrate the launch of the Glasgow 2014 volunteer application programme the city’s Central Station took on a sports carnival atmosphere with Olympic boxing Gold medallist – and the winner of BBC TV’s Superstars – Anthony Joshua, and Scotland’s Olympic and Commonwealth badminton star Susan Egelstaff joining members of the Games Maker Choir to lend their voices to the drive to recruit up to 15,000 of the friendliest people for the Games.
Prospective volunteers have from today until 28 February to apply for a Games role which will not only see them be part of history – Glasgow 2014’s volunteers will be the biggest peace-time deployment of volunteers for a common cause Scotland has ever seen – but will also see them having the time for their lives.
No previous Games experience is necessary: Glasgow 2014 is simply looking for helpful and friendly people who will be aged 16 by close of applications on 28 February are eligible to work in the UK and available for at least eight days during the Games, which take place between 23 July and 3 August, 2014. Volunteers will also have to be available for up to six days ahead of the Games for interviews in Glasgow, training and uniform collection.
As well as general Games roles, Glasgow 2014 requires volunteers with a range of specialist skills including medical staff, drivers and people with specific sports expertise.
Applications are being received from this morning online at www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer and help is available in person at the Volunteer Centre in Glasgow, by phone at the Glasgow 2014 Contact Centre and staff at every library in Scotland are also geared up to assist with the application process.
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Urging people to step up to the volunteer challenge, Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of Glasgow 2014 said: “Being a Glasgow 2014 volunteer really is the opportunity to have the time of your life and be part of something very special for Glasgow and Scotland.
“Our volunteers will be crucial to the success of the Games. They will be our front-line charm force, promoting Glasgow and Scotland to the world and creating a fantastic experience not just for the million spectators who will be here in person but also the billion-plus people around the world who will watch the Games on television. Glasgow 2014 is a global show-reel for the city and for Scotland and our volunteers have a starring role to play.
“I would encourage everyone – regardless of age or life experience – to think about being part of creating a Games success story for Glasgow and Scotland and apply now as a Glasgow 2014 volunteer.”
Fiona McEwan, Vice-Chair Commonwealth Games Scotland, also attending the event said: “For the participating teams the volunteers are critical to the quality of every part of their Games experience. From the technical officials who ensure that the sport competitions are run smoothly, to the drivers who help athletes and officials get seamlessly around the city, to the people welcoming athletes into the dining room, a friendly and flexible attitude turns a good Games into a great and memorable Games.
“Scots are naturally very friendly and hospitable to international guests and we would urge people across the county to consider volunteering for the Games and sharing in the fantastic experience that Glasgow 2014 will offer people from all walks of life.”
Double Commonwealth medallist and London 2012 Olympian, Badminton player Susan Egelstaff added: “Being a proud Glaswegian I’m well aware of the friendly and welcoming nature this city is famous for. Volunteers have played a crucial role at major sporting events throughout my career and allowed me to prepare as best I can and focus solely on the sporting side of things.
“Glasgow 2014 will be the biggest sporting event Scotland has ever hosted and with the help of thousands of volunteers, I’m confident it will be a Games to remember.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is delighted to confirm that Carolyn Morgan has been appointed as its new Honorary Legal Adviser. She will be responsible for providing advice on legal and constitutional issues in terms of Company, Team and Glasgow 2014 related activities.
Carolyn is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Team at Scottish commercial law firm, Harper Macleod LLP, legal advisers to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and an Official Supporter of CGS and Team Scotland. As a practical demonstration of their commitment to CGS the firm fully supports Carolyn’s appointment.
Carolyn joined Harper Macleod in 2008 and specialises in dispute resolution. She handles a broad range of civil and commercial disputes and has considerable experience in advocacy. Carolyn has been involved in dealing with a number of sports-related matters including anti-doping issues. Carolyn enjoys playing golf and tennis, which she plays at a competitive level, having regularly represented her county at senior level.
Carolyn Morgan said: “I’m delighted to be appointed Honorary Legal Adviser and I’m really looking forward to working with CGS. This is such an exciting time for sport in Scotland and I can’t wait to get involved.”
Her appointment was announced at the CGS Half-Yearly meeting in late November, where CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh welcomed Carolyn to the team and acknowledge the valuable contribution of Colin McEachran, former Honorary Legal Adviser who stepped down last year. He was subsequently appointed as Honorary Life Vice President.
Michael Cavanagh said: “We are absolutely delighted to have someone of Carolyn’s stature and experience as an adviser to the Board. Professional legal advice is an area of growing importance to our organisation and we would like to thank Harper Macleod for their valued support.”
Also approved by Council at the meeting was the appointment of David Webster as Honorary Life President to fill the position created by Sir Peter Heatly’s appointment as Patron.
Congratulations to all the office bearers.
Following the recent announcement of the Sport Team Manager appointments, it is now the turn of the medical staff to have their places on the support team for Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games confirmed.
The medical team will be led by Dr Niall Elliott supported by four other doctors, while 12 physiotherapists will work alongside Head Physiotherapist, Lindsay Thomson. A further two physiotherapists have also been appointed as part of a wider team who will provide support at the pre-Games training camp and Team Scotland HQ.
The medical team plays a key role at any Games ensuring athletes are in the best possible shape to compete, as well as providing support for illness and injuries sustained at the Games. Working closely with all 17 sports the medical team will also provide an agreed level of pre-Games support.
Welcoming the doctors and physiotherapists to the team Dr Niall Elliott said: “Alongside the appointment of physiotherapists to Team Scotland, we have appointed an experienced sports medicine medical team to help support the athletes at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This support has been in place through the sportscotland Institute of Sport for several years, but this wider team will now work closely with colleagues to ensure that all Scottish athletes are best prepared and supported both in advance of and during the Games.
“The interest in these positions was unprecedented, with the final selection reflecting the high quality of medical support now available to Scottish sport. The medical team have all experienced large multi-sport Games before, including previous Commonwealth Games, summer and winter Olympic Games. We are all looking forward to providing that valuable support to Team Scotland at a home Games.”
Lindsay Thomson added: “I am delighted with the physiotherapy team we have appointed and I am confident that we have a world class sports medicine team to support Team Scotland in Glasgow. The interest in these positions from a wealth of experienced sports physiotherapists shows what depth of professional support we now have in Scotland for our sports men and women, and the excitement at the prospect of a home Games. We look forward to working with Team Scotland colleagues and Glasgow 2014 and are excited about the challenges that lie ahead.”
Jon Doig, CGS Chief Executive and Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “I am delighted with the medical team appointments we have made. Having such a high calibre of medical expertise on board will give our athletes the confidence to know that they will receive the best possible support to help them achieve their goals at the Games.”
Doctors:
Niall Elliott
Stephen Boyce
Michelle Jeffrey
Alastair Nicol
David Pugh
Physiotherapists:
Lindsay Thomson
Mandy Belch
David Brandie
Kirsten Carroll
Oliver Davies
Lesley Dawson
Linda Hardy
Maggie Hendry
Sandi Lyall
Fiona Mather
Tracy McAdam
Stephen Mutch
Louise Wright
Maggie Bush
Craig More
April 2013 will mark the start of the selection period for athletes aiming to be nominated for selection to Team Scotland for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In addition to the criteria laid down in the General Selection Policy published by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) in November last year, the majority of sports specific policies and standards have now been completed for the 17 sports on the programme with a few still to be finalised.
Elinor Middlemiss, Games Team Operations Manager, who has been responsible for driving this area of Team Scotland preparations forward said: “I am pleased to confirm that all the sports selection policies and standards have been developed, except gymnastics which will be started early next year. Athletes can go into 2013 knowing exactly what they must do to be nominated for the team.
“We aim to have our biggest and most successful team ever in 2014, so we wish everyone the very best of luck with their training and competition over the coming months. To be a member of Team Scotland at a home Games will be really special and I know that our athlete will rise to challenge.”
The finalised selection policies and standards are available to download from the Glasgow 2014 section of this website or the website of the relevant sports governing bodies.
There has also been a flurry of activity over the last few months recruiting the Sport Team Managers who will lead their respective sports at the Games. Again working closely with the sports governing bodies, 12 of the 18 post holders have now been confirmed as follows:
Aquatics – Derna Campbell
Athletics – Stephen Maguire
Badminton – Christine Black
Cycling – Alasdair MacLennan
Hockey Men’s – Eugene Connolly
Hockey Women’s – Susie Elms
Judo – Graeme Randall
Netball – Karen McElveen
Rugby Sevens – John Manson
Shooting – Donald McIntosh
Squash – Roger Flynn
Weightlifting – Jim Holland
Jon Doig, CGS Chief Executive and Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “I am delighted with the progress we have made with our team staff recruitment process. The Sport Team Managers are a mix of old and new faces to Team Scotland and certainly have a wealth of experience between them. I know they are all relishing the challenge of leading their sports at a home Games and we look forward to working with them to build a successful overall team.”
Also confirmed today was the appointment of Alan Lynn as the Director of the Achieve 2018 programme, which will build on the success of the programme run in Delhi. Achieve 2014 was created to offer a number of talented athletes and coaches from sports on the Glasgow 2014 programme the opportunity to gain critical knowledge and experience of a multi-sport environment, to assist their own preparations for medal success in Glasgow and beyond.
Congratulations to Scotland’s bowlers who scooped three gold and three bronze medals at the 2012 World Championships in Adelaide, Australia last week.
The gold rush was started by Paul Foster and Alex Marshall MBE, who confirmed their status as the greatest partnership in the sport, by striking gold in the men’s pairs, overcoming partisan home support and in-form opponents in Australia’s Leif Selby and Aron Sherrif with an 18-13 victory. This added the outdoor pairs title to their indoor title won earlier this year, the first time the double has been achieved in the same year.
The victory marked Marshall’s 15th world title and the duo have claimed a total of 23 world titles between them. Marshall said after the final: “To beat the Aussies on their home turf is brilliant. It is a combination of a lot of hard work over the past year.”
Inspired by the men, Scotland’s women claimed the team’s second gold medal of the championship lifting the title in the women’s fours. Michelle Cooper, Lynn Stein, Caroline Brown and Margaret Letham edged out Malaysia 18-15.
Letham, who skipped the four not only to victory but to an unbeaten record throughout the 13 matches of competition, was delighted with their efforts, saying: “We are over the moon about winning, the team have played really well throughout the competition and the whole squad has been sensational”.
Bowls-WC2.jpgIn the men’s triples, Scotland were pushed to near braking point by a relentless Jackaroos combination, eager to repeat the performance that earned them glory in the fours.
The tartan titans’ David Peacock, Darren Burnett and Graham Archer clinched victory in thriller, with the victory marking Peacock’s third successive triples world title and the nation’s third gold at the event.
Australia scored on only five of the fifteen ends, but the result still came down to the wire, with David Peacock, Darren Burnett and Graham Archer prevailing by the slimmest of margins, 13-12, after Archer smashed the jack into the ditch on the final end and Australia’s final bowl ended millimetres short.
“I am absolutely delighted to have won the title again,” said Peacock.
“It has been a great team effort from everyone. We couldn’t have asked for any more from the whole team”
There were also bronze medals for the men’s fours (David Peacock, Darren Burnett, Graham Archer and Alex Mashall), women’s pairs (Claire Johnston and Margaret Letham) and the women’s triples (Michelle Cooper, Caroline Brown and Lynn Stein).
In his first major campaign as Bowls Scotland’s Head Coach David Gourlay said: “The triples showed fantastic Scottish tenacity throughout their campaign. We shouldn’t underestimate how good this squad performed to win six medals including three gold in Australia is impressive. The team spirit has been resolute from the beginning and the squad’s determination and professionalism has got to be admired.”
Bowls-Web3.jpgIn all the Scots picked up medals in six of the eight disciplines, with each of the 10 players at the championships going home with at least two medals, nine of them with gold.
Congratulating Scotland’s bowlers on their success down under, Jon Doig Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive and Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “With the results from the 2012 World Championships forming part of the selection process for Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the results from Adelaide are extremely encouraging. It is one of the few events which is operated in the same format as the Commonwealth Games, so is an important indicator. We wish all our bowlers continued success in their preparations as they aim for selection.”
Photographs courtesy of Janette Conlan, Bowls Scotland
Brig O’Doom, Broken Biscuits and Clyde Climb were among the standout winning entries in a schools competition to name the eight distinctive features of the soon-to-be-opened Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike course which will host Cross Country Mountain Biking at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The venue, Glasgow’s first international standard mountain biking course, is being developed by Glasgow City Council’s Land & Environmental Services and will be a permanent facility, providing a legacy accessible to riders of all levels of experience from locals trying out the sport to international cyclists.
13 schools across two local authorities within 1.5 miles of the venue submitted more than 800 suggestions, after being given a description of the eight most interesting and challenging features on the course. The winning names will not only be used at Games time, but throughout the life of the course.
The winners are:
Feature 1: Propellor Point – Cathkin High School
Feature 2: Double Dare – Cathkin Primary School
Feature 3: Clyde Climb – Castleton Primary School
Feature 4: Rest and Be Thankful – Cathkin High School
Feature 5: Broken Biscuits – Castlemilk High School
Feature 6: The Jouk – Miller Primary School
Feature 7: Brig O’Doom – Trinity High School
Feature 8: Boulder Dash – St Bartholomew’s Primary School
MBX2.jpgScottish mountain biker Rab Wardell, who competed for Team Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and who has his sights firmly set on making the team again for 2014, had the honour of being the first international level cyclist to get access to the course and ride through all the features.
Enthusing about the course he said: “To have such a world class mountain biking facility so close to the city centre is unique. There’s already a fantastic buzz around track cycling on the back of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome opening a few months ago and mountain biking is a sport rapidly growing in popularity.
“There is a fantastic club structure in place and a great group of volunteers working across the country so I think it’s just a matter of time until people are coming down to this world-class facility.”
Alasdair MacLennan, President of Scottish Cycling, who was a member of the judging panel added:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the selection process and must admit that the quality of all the finalists’ submissions made for some very difficult decisions.
“However, I’m certain that when the names of these features will be broadcast around the globe during the Mountain Bike events at Glasgow 2014 the winning schools will feel a great sense of pride of having played their part in what is going to be a fantastic Commonwealth Games.”
After an unparalleled year for British and Scottish sport, there was a lot to celebrate at the Commonwealth Games Awards Dinner in Glasgow tonight (10 November). Such was the strength of the nominations this year that judges were unable to choose between Scotland’s greatest Olympian Sir Chris Hoy and World number three Andy Murray in his first Grand Slam winning year. Both were named as Scottish Sportsperson of the Year 2012 and jointly awarded the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy. Chris and Andy will both receive two Business Class flights to Dubai courtesy of Award sponsor Emirates – the Official Airline Partner of Glasgow 2014.
The dinner, organised by Commonwealth Games Scotland in partnership with Glasgow 2014 Ltd., looked back at the incredible success of the London 2012 Olympic Games and contemplated the excitement to come for Scotland over the next two years. Plans to deliver an outstanding XX Commonwealth Games are progressing rapidly, whilst Scottish athletes are preparing to enter the race for a coveted place on Team Scotland, when the selection period opens early next year.
There were four Scottish athletes shortlisted for the top award of the evening.
In 2012 track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy became Britain’s most successful Olympian winning two gold medals, first in the Team Sprint (with Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny) and then in his specialist Keirin event, to add to his silver medal in 2000, gold in 2004 and three gold medals in 2008. Over the last year Chris amassed a further World Championship title and bronze medal to take his tally to 11 World titles and 25 World Championship medals. In the ultimate honour, Chris was named by his fellow athletes as Flag Bearer for Team GB at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. This is the sixth time that Sir Chris Hoy has won the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy out of the ten years it has been awarded.
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Tennis player, Andy Murray capped a fantastic year by winning his first Grand Slam event, the US Open in a pulsating match against world number one Novak Djokovic. This followed a breakthrough gold medal win at the London 2012 Olympics, avenging a Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer. Partnering Laura Robson, Andy came close to winning two Olympic titles eventually losing in three sets in the mixed doubles final to claim silver. The year started with reaching the final of the Australian Open and has finished with him being ranked a clear number three in the world going into the season ending ATP Masters finals this weekend, behind only Djokovic and Federer.
Also on the shortlist, with outstanding performances that would have won the award in any other year, were rower Katherine Grainger and swimmer Michael Jamieson.
In 2012 Katherine Grainger achieved her life goal by winning Olympic gold in double sculls with Anna Watkins which makes Katherine the first British female athlete in any sport to medal in four successive Olympic Games.
Scotland’s first Olympic swimming medallist since Graeme Smith in 1996, Michael Jamieson won a silver medal in the 200m Breaststroke at London 2012, setting three Scottish and British Records in the process.
Announcing the award, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh said: “2012 has been an incredible year for Scotland’s top sportsmen and women with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games capturing the imagination of the whole country.
“I am delighted that Emirates are supporting the Lonsdale trophy again this year. All four shortlisted athletes gave performances which would make them worthy winners, but in the end the judging panel felt that Chris and Andy just had the edge over the others.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish our athletes all the best for 2013, when they will strive to achieve the selection standards to make the team for Glasgow 2014. As we have seen recently, there is nothing like a home Games to inspire athletes to achieve great things and I look forward to watching them in their quest for Commonwealth Games success over the next 20 months.”
Commenting on the progress made by Glasgow 2014 over the last year, Chief Executive, David Grevemberg said: ““There is widespread recognition of the positive impact the Commonwealth Games are already having – and will continue to have – not just in Glasgow but right across Scotland. Legacy is not simply an aspiration for tomorrow – it is a fact of today and positive impacts already being felt by individuals and communities in terms of jobs and training, new facilities and fresh opportunities, particularly for young people. Our venues are already attracting other world-class events.
“There is no doubt the experience of London 2012 has set the benchmark high in the eyes of athletes of the Commonwealth and millions of people utterly absorbed in an extraordinary summer of sport. All our feedback shows there is great excitement at the prospect of a Commonwealth Games in Scotland and we – as an Organising Committee and as Game Partners – are equally excited at the prospect of delivering an outstanding Games for Glasgow, for Scotland and for the Commonwealth.“
The evening also saw a number of presentations by Ronnie Sloan, Chairman of Scottish Sports Aid to recognise the achievements of Scottish junior athletes between the ages of 12 and 22 years. Five Merit Awards were presented to Lorenzo Chiavarini – Sailing; James Clegg – swimming; Douglas Kempsell – Squash; Maia Lumsden – Tennis and Jade Nimmo – Athletics. From the five, two further awards were made to acknowledge the Most Improved Junior Sportsperson and the Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2012.
14 year old tennis player, Maia Lumsden from Glasgow was named the Most Improved Junior Sportsperson. She started 2012 in style winning the Tennis Europe grade 1 U14 event in Bolton and was a semi-finalist in Tarbes, France (the unofficial U14 World Championships). Maia was a member of the GB U14 girls’ team who won the European Championships, and were runners-up in the World Championships. She also won the Aegon Junior International U18 event in Nottingham in April and finished the summer ranked No.1 in Europe for U14 girls.
However it fell to Paralympic swimmer James Clegg to take top honours, named as Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2012. 18 year old James from Langholm has had an outstanding year. He won the S12 100m Butterfly at the British Championships, in a time of 1:01.46s, breaking a 12 year old British Record, before going on to compete for Paralympics GB London 2012, where he further improved his time to 59.99 seconds in the heats, and went on to win bronze in the final. He also qualified for the 50m and 100m Freestyle finals at the Games. Over the year James has improved his 100m Butterfly time by an impressive 6.3 seconds, and both his Freestyle events by more than one second.
Congratulating the athletes Duncan Hamilton, Executive Director of Scottish Sports Aid said: “The dedication of these young people, and the sacrifices made by their families, both in terms of finance and time, cannot be overestimated. We hope that, with the continuing support of our sponsors and patrons, Scottish Sports Aid will be able to nurture many more such Scottish sporting stars in the future.”
More than 350 people from Scottish sport and business joined in the celebrations at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel including a number of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and most prestigious brands and pevious sponsor of Team Scotland, has been unveiled today (Wednesday, November 7) as an Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
The partnership strengthens the international airline’s commitment to Glasgow and Scotland and will play a key role in profiling the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on a global stage.
Today’s announcement was made by First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, at Glasgow International Airport. He was joined by Lord Smith, Chair of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Richard Jewsbury, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Europe and Russian Federation, Laurie Berryman, Emirates Vice President UK as well as representatives of Games Partners – Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council.
Commenting on the Partnership, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “It is excellent to have such a prestigious sponsor as Emirates Airline on board to help us deliver a fantastic Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Emirates has a superb track record in supporting world-class sporting events and its involvement as a major sponsor underlines the global reach that the 2014 Games will have.
“This announcement is significant, not just because of what it means for the success of the Games, but also as it demonstrates the excellent relationship Emirates continues to have with Scotland, after the airline announced an expansion in its Glasgow to Dubai service earlier this year.
Lord Smith, Chair of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, said: “Together, Glasgow 2014 and Emirates create a compelling partnership which recognises the international ambition and scale of the Commonwealth Games taking place in Scotland in 2014.
“These Games create a world-class festival of elite sport and culture but also wider collaborations and further opportunities for Scotland on a global scale.”
Richard Jewsbury, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Europe and Russian Federation, said: “For many years Emirates has been at the forefront of sports partnerships in the UK. Now, we are taking this engagement to a new level, as an Official Games Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay. These partnerships are particularly significant for Emirates as we currently fly to 23 Commonwealth countries, enabling us to connect athletes and spectators from across the globe to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow through our hub in Dubai.
“For the past eight years Emirates has been proud to play a key role in supporting Scotland’s international connections. Since 2004 our Glasgow service has carried over 1.7 million passengers and over 46 million kilos of cargo to and from the Middle East and beyond. This new multi-million pound partnership with Glasgow 2014 demonstrates our continued commitment to Scotland and highlights the nation’s place on the international sporting stage.”
Emirates is already a significant supporter of high profile sport in the UK and internationally with a prestigious portfolio which includes the FIFA World Cup, the 2012 Ryder Cup, the International Cricket Council and Arsenal Football Club at Emirates Stadium, as well as the Emirates Airline Glasgow Rugby Sevens
The partnership with Glasgow 2014 will see the airline play a key role in the Queen’s Baton Relay, the unique prelude to the Commonwealth Games during which a message of goodwill from Her Majesty The Queen is taken through the 71 Nations and Territories which will be sending athletes to compete in Glasgow.
Emirates is also proud to have secured naming rights to Emirates Arena, Glasgow’s latest world-class sporting facility. Home to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Emirates Arena will host Glasgow 2014’s Track-Cycling and Badminton events.
Welcoming the news, Michael Cavanagh, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Emirates has come on board as the Glasgow 2014 Airline Partner. Commonwealth Games Scotland has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Emirates since 2006 and we see this as a fitting extension of their involvement.
“Emirates flying from Glasgow has connected Scotland so seamlessly to the rest of the world making travel to and from most parts of the Commonwealth very easy. They have a first class understanding of the needs of sports and athletes and visiting teams will undoubtedly benefit from this as Team Scotland has for previous Games.”