With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow now less than three years away, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is well on track with its operational planning for the team. Today CGS has circulated to member sports the General Selection Policy it will use, to select the athletes who will represent Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The policy, which has been produced following extensive consultation with the performance directors of the 17 sports on the Games programme, will be put before the CGS half-yearly meeting for ratification on 23 November 2011 and will come into play from 15 April 2013. This will be the earliest that the General Selection Policy has been in place, ensuring all athletes in Scotland with the aspiration and potential to compete in Glasgow 2014 know at the earliest possible time exactly what they must do to make the team.

Competing for Scotland at a Commonwealth Games is a highlight of any athlete’s career. Furthermore, the opportunity to compete in a home games is a privilege experienced by very few athletes.

Over the last three Games cycles, Team Scotland has had increasing success, largely as a result of a robust, clear, consistent selection policy and a strong Team Scotland ethos. This approach will continue, providing every opportunity to enhance individual performances and building 17 sports into one team. Each athlete selected will be assured of the support of their team mates in the knowledge that all have deserved the honour of representing Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Games.

Following a commitment made at the 2011 AGM, the two aims of the updated policy are to ensure that Scotland selects a team that performs with distinction in 2014, achieving its highest ever number of medals and highest number of gold medals, whilst maximising the opportunity of a home Games.

Amongst the key elements of the policy are:

• All individual sports on the 2014 programme will be represented by a minimum of three athletes, with the performance target of top eight or top two thirds of the field at recent Commonwealth Games, whichever is the tighter, being used as the benchmark.
• All host team sport places will be accepted to ensure Team Scotland representation in each sport in the Games, with the performance target of top eight in the Commonwealth. Where appropriate, non-accredited staff will be included as part of Team Scotland, to enhance the support service capability of the team.
• Consideration will be given to allow athletes to participate in additional events to those they qualify in, giving an opportunity to be inspired by a ‘Home Games’ environment.
• Sport specific selection standards will now be developed in conjunction with each sport’s governing body and will be published by 15 December 2012.

Endorsing the General Selection Policy, CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig said: “Following extensive consultation with sports, we believe we have managed to produce a policy that balances the need to perform with distinction, whilst maximising the opportunity of a home Games and ensuring consistency between the sports. This will be backed up by sport specific selection standards to be completed by the end of next year.

“This is the first milestone in our preparations for Glasgow 2014 and we are delighted that everything is well on track.”

A copy of the General Selection Policy is available from the downloads section on the left hand side of this page.

Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) officials have been attending the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis this week, where they have been involved in extensive discussions and votes that contributed to some landmark decisions affecting future Games. In the vote to decide the host city for the 2018 Games the Gold Coast Australia beat Hambantota, Sri Lanka by 43 votes to 27. A number of changes to the Games sports programme were also made, in addition to the constitutional business of CGF elections to their executive board and committees.

President of the CGF Mike Fennell stood down after 17 years continuous service. Mike has always been a supporter of Commonwealth Game Scotland (CGS) and the Glasgow 2014 bid and fully supported the development of the Commonwealth Youth Games by Scotland in 2000. We would like to thank him for his valued support and wish him well for the future. He was succeeded by CGF vice-president, HRH Tunku Imran who stood unopposed, as did CGS Immediate Past Chairman, Louise Martin CBE who was elected for a fourth term as Honorary Secretary.

The Games sport programme was under the spotlight following the quadrennial review that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last May, that involved consultation with all 71 countries. The Committee’s recommendations were largely adopted with a few significant changes that are likely to impact favourably for Scotland.

Agreed changes include:

The total number of entries allowed in the singles events in racquet sports to be standardised at three men and three women per country.

The maximum number of entries per country for judo and wrestling has been set at two per weight category, so long as the total number does not exceed the number of events available. This is in line with weightlifting.

There is also now agreement to have two bronze medals awarded in judo and wrestling, in line with current IF rules.

While some changes to the shooting programme made post the 2006 Games will stand i.e. no pairs events, retention of a number of women’s events including the smallbore rifle prone and women’s skeet to give a balance between the men’s and women’s programmes has been achieved.

The need to identify and select the specific Para-Sport events no later than three years prior to each Commonwealth Games was approved.

The number of para sport events was increased from 15 to 20 events in line with recommendations from CGS, Glasgow 2014 and Scottish Disability Sport.

The inclusion of women’s events in a number of sports including rugby 7s and boxing was also approved.

The addition of a team event in triathlon was approved.
Whilst these changes strictly don’t come into force until the 2018 Games, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee will now review all aspects of their sports programme and consider the possible inclusion of one or more of the newly endorsed events. It plans to have this process completed by March 2012.

A number of additional optional sports for future Games hosts from 2018 onwards were approved and the Executive Board has also endorsed a push to get 20/20 cricket as part of the future of Commonwealth Games.

The final item of business on Friday 11 November was the conclusion of the race to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games between Hambantota, Sri Lanka and Gold Coast, Australia. The extensive process has included a technical evaluation of each city’s bid documents and site visits to each city by the CGF Evaluation Committee chaired by Louise Martin CBE, as well as visits by representatives of all Commonwealth nations and territories who each have one vote.

Following a short presentation by each candidate city, CGF delegates voted for the Gold Coast by 43 votes to 27 and Australia is now set to host the Games for a fifth time in April 2018.
The 2018 sport programme will be: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Wrestling.

Congratulating the Gold Coast, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “We would like to congratulate Gold Coast on their winning bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Scotland was in the same position exactly four years ago and we know what a defining moment this is for everyone involved.

“We have every confidence that Gold Coast will stage a fabulous Games that will reflect their own sporting culture and heritage, whilst continuing to strengthen the Commonwealth Games brand. We look forward to working with them as the host city after Glasgow.”

This decision will now allow CGS to start to form its initial plans for Team Scotland’s participation.

Following the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) AGM last May, and the decision taken to enhance the existing Board structure by recruiting a number of non-executive directors to specialist posts, CGS is pleased to announce that this process is now complete.

In addition to the positions of Chairman, Vice- Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman and four Executive members appointed in May 2011, four independent non-executive directors have now been appointed to the Board to complement the skill set of its existing members. These are Finance Director, Director of Marketing & Communications and Director of Corporate Governance & Compliance and a further non-executive Director. All of these positions have been filled through an open recruitment process and are for the remainder of the current four year cycle.

Welcoming the new members to the Board, Chairman Michael Cavanagh commented: “I am delighted to welcome all our new members to the Board. They have a vast range of skills and experience between them, which will add greatly to the work of our Board and ensure that we make a significant contribution as a Games partner to key areas of planning and preparation for the 2014 Games at one of the most exciting periods in our 81 year history. They are all busy individuals in their own right and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their interest, commitment and passion in Commonwealth Games.

“I look forward to working with our extended new Board to ensure we have our most successful Games ever in Glasgow in 2014, underpinned by a strong platform for the future.”

Already voted in as an executive director at the AGM, Peter Nicolson has now been appointed as the new Finance Director, following a previous successful term as Treasurer. His executive director post will be filled by Leslie Roy for a two year term.

Leslie Roy has a long time association with Commonwealth Games since 2000. She brings a wealth of experience from her role as Athletics Team Manager in 2002 and 2006 and is now President of Scottish Athletics. For the Commonwealth Youth Games of 2000, 2004 and 2008 she was part of the General Team Management. In Delhi 2010, Leslie was an Assistant General Team Manager organising all transport and logistics for Team Scotland.

Joining the Board as Director of Corporate Governance and compliance is Professor Leigh Robinson, an international expert in sport governance and management, Leigh is the Chair in Sports Management to the School of Sport at the University of Stirling where her principal research is on organisational performance, investigating principles of management that make sport more effective.

Jane Gotts has been appointed as Director of Marketing and Communication. Jane is International Director of Scottish Council for Development and Industry as well as Programme Director of BusinessClub Scotland. She brings a wealth of experience in marketing, communicating and business in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth.

Paul Bush OBE has been appointed as the fourth Non-executive Director. Chief Operating Officer for Event Scotland, Paul has led the development of Scotland as one of the world’s leading events destinations, delivering Scotland’s Major Events Strategy. At previous Commonwealth Games, Paul held the voluntary positions of General Team Manager (2002) and Chef de Mission (2006). At the Delhi 2010 Games, he was Director of Scotland House.

To complete the Board team, an Athlete Representative, Honorary Medical Adviser and Honorary Legal Adviser are also being appointed to provide support in these key areas.

There to ensure that an athlete focus remains at the core of the organisation’s thinking and planning, CGS is delighted to welcome Susan Jackson as the Athlete Representative. Susan represented Scotland in small bore rifle shooting at three Commonwealth Games, medalling in each, winning: bronze in 1998; silver in 2002; and, gold in 2006. During the 2010 Games she was an athlete mentor for the CGS Achieve 2014 programme. In her professional life, Susan is a Senior Director of the Winning Scotland Foundation.

Joan Watt has been appointed as Honorary Medical Adviser for a third term. A chartered physiotherapist Joan was first elected to the Commonwealth Games Scotland Board in 2003. In addition, Joan has contributed to Scottish Commonwealth Games teams in her role as physiotherapist at each Games since 1982 and was Senior Physiotherapist in 1994 and Joint Head Physiotherapist in 1998. In 2006 and 2010 Joan was the Shooting Team Leader.

The appointment of the Honorary Legal Adviser is still ongoing.

sportscotland the national agency for sport will also continue to be represented by Chief Executive, Stewart Harris as an observer to the Board. This has been the practice for a number of Games cycles and is common practice for the partners it supports.

CGS Board

Chairman – Michael Cavanagh
Vice-Chairman – Fiona McEwan
Immediate Past Chairman – Louise Martin CBE

Executive Directors:
Maureen Campbell (4 year term)
Jackie Davidson (2 year term)
Niall Sturrock (4 year term)
Leslie Roy (2 year term)

Non-Executive Directors:
Paul Bush OBE
Marketing and Communications – Jane Gotts
Finance – Peter Nicolson
Corporate Governance & Compliance – Professor Leigh Robinson
Board Advisers:
Athletes Representative – Susan Jackson
Honorary Medical Adviser – Joan Watt
Honorary Legal Adviser – TBC

Board Observer:
Stewart Harris, sportscotland

At the Commonwealth Games Dinner in Glasgow tonight, there was recognition for a number of the country’s top sportsmen and womenafter an exciting and action packed year for Scottish sport. The dinner, organised in partnership with Glasgow 2014 looked back on the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, as well as celebrating 1000 days to go until the 2014 Games comes to Glasgow.

Badminton player Imogen Bankier was the recipient of the top award of the evening, fighting off some tough opposition to be named the Scottish Sportsperson of 2011 and be awarded the ‘Lonsdale Trophy’. Along with the prestigious title, Imogen will receive a cheque for £1000. She is the first badminton player to win the trophy, and the third woman to win the trophy, following in the footsteps of Katherine Grainger (rowing) and Hannah Miley (swimming). The award is for performances between 17 October 2010 and 16 September 2011.

Imogen became the first player representing Scotland to make it to a World Badminton Championships final, where she won silver in the mixed-doubles with partner Chris Adcock (England). The pair beat the 15th, 8th, 4th and 2nd seeds to reach the final, where they lost out to the world number one ranked top seeds. Their success is all the more impressive, as they only started playing together in September 2010.

Imogen has shown incredible determination to bounce back from a career-threatening knee injury which kept her out of action between June 2009 and January 2010. Together with Chris, she has had a fantastic 12 months, which includes wins at the Scottish, Irish and Italian internationals.

Imogen unfortunately had to miss the dinner because she was competing in the Yonex French Open in Paris, but her mother Elaine collected the trophy on her behalf.

Speaking later, Imogen said: “It’s a great honour to win this prestigious award and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with the success that has come my way in the last year. Hopefully there is still more to come from me and Chris.”

The badminton star was up against some strong competition for the award, with swimmer Hannah Miley and junior cyclist John Paul completing the shortlist. The two runners-up will both receive £500 in prize money.

2010 Lonsdale Trophy winner Hannah Miley continues to excel at the very top of world swimming, having won the silver medal in the 400m individual medley at the World Championships in July. She has been a permanent fixture in the top four of the world rankings for the past three years, and acts as the perfect role model for the younger athletes.

John Paul, a rising star in the world of track cycling, has delivered some superb performances over the past 12 months, which have led to him taking the British, European and World Junior Sprint titles. John has shown his considerable talent on the track, which has led to comparisons with fellow Scot, and five time Lonsdale Trophy winner Sir Chris Hoy.

Announcing the award, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh said: “2011 has been another hugely successful year for Scotland’s top sportspeople, which has made it tougher than ever to select one winner for this award. Imogen, Hannah and John are all deserving of their place on the shortlist, having delivered some incredible performances over the past 12 months.”

“Imogen however, has had a wonderful year, which of course includes her fantastic silver medal at the world championships. She has shown great strength and determination to get to where she is just now, and her mindset will no doubt see her success continue. Imogen is a worthy Lonsdale Trophy winner, and I would like to wish her all the best as she looks towards London 2012, and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.”

The Athlete of the Commonwealth Youth Games Award was also handed out, along with the Scottish Sports Aid Merit Awards and Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Swimmer Craig Benson (17) was named Athlete of the Games, having collected three gold and one silver medal in the Isle of Man. Craig was on superb form in September, blowing the competition out of the water in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke. He was also part of the men’s silver medal winning 4x100m medley relay team. The Commonwealth Games Scotland Athlete of the Month for July showed great character during the Games, and was on the shortlist for the team flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony.

Craig was also one of five Scottish Sports Aid Merit Awards Winners recognised on the night. He was joined by hammer thrower and fellow Youth Games athlete Kimberley Reed (16) as well as sprint kayaker Sean Redmond (16), triathlon’s Grant Sheldon (17) and weightlifter Colette Will (19).

Duncan Hamilton, the executive director of Scottish Sports Aid went on to present the Scottish Sports Aid Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2010/11 to Sean Redmond.

Sean has had an incredible year, with his most notable achievement coming at the 2011 British Sprint Kayak Championships where he won five gold and one silver medal. He dominated his under-16 age group with some breathtaking performances in both the individual and team competitions. In becoming the under-16 British Champion, Sean was the only Scot to win individual gold medals, winning both the 500m and 1000m races.

Commenting, Duncan said: “We are delighted that this year, due to the generosity of our sponsors, we have been able to provide financial assistance to an unprecedented 290 up and coming Scottish sporting stars, which we believe represents a resounding success, given the current difficult financial climate. We are a charity, and receive no financial sponsorship from government sources, so the continuing support of our existing sponsors is vital for us to be able to provide meaningful grants to the Scottish sporting stars of the future, especially in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, when the eyes of the sporting world will be firmly focused on Glasgow”.

Around 300 people from Scottish sport attended the event at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hotel to join in the celebrations. Having looked back on a successful Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man, we will all now look forward to when Scotland becomes host of the next Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Glasgow 2014 has joined forces with the BBC to launch a children’s competition to design the official Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games mascot with exactly 1,000 days to go until the Opening Ceremony.

The competition was launched in Scotland on BBC Radio Scotland’s MacAulay & Co show. The competition will feature in content right across the BBC on television, radio and online through the Nations. There will also be coverage on BBC Sport and Blue Peter throughout the five-week competition.

The winner of the competition will be given four tickets to the Opening Ceremony.

Mascots are a major part of the Games experience, embodying the values of the Commonwealth Games and character of the host country, and playing a lead role in engaging and inspiring young people.

The Mascot will be a significant personality in the run-up to and during the Games, used by Glasgow 2014 to welcome visitors and spectators, visit schools and community events and appear on signage.

Glasgow 2014 is looking for a mascot that is:

Original;

A made up or imaginary character, animal or person;

Easy to recognise as the official mascot for Scotland and the Commonwealth Games;

Is appealing to young people;

Friendly; and

Incorporates red, yellow, green or blue – or all of these colours.

The entries will be judged in three age categories (6-8, 9-11 and 12-15) and children from all over the UK are being encouraged to enter the competition.

Ten of the best entries from each age category will be selected in the first round of judging. These will then be shortlisted and judged a second time before a final winner is chosen.

Those shortlisted will be contacted by the BBC. The winner will be announced after the London 2012 Paralympics in September 2012, where the winning mascot will be unveiled.

The judging panel will be made up of BBC and Glasgow 2014 staff and external experts.

Entries must be sent in on an A4 piece of paper and must be drawn or painted. For full details of the competition, including how to enter, please visit: www.bbc.co.uk/glasgow2014 .

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said: “This is a great opportunity for someone to become part of Commonwealth Games history by designing our mascot, which will welcome spectators and athletes from all over the world to the Games.

“Designed by young people, for young people, the mascot will be very important to the Games and to Scotland. We believe that one very special person will put pen or paintbrush to paper and come up with something totally original for us to have as our friendly face of the Games.”

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh added: “The mascot competition is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved and use their creative talents to develop a special symbol for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“The mascot is an integral part of the marketing campaigns for the Games and must embody values of the Games as well as bringing a bit of fun and colour to the proceedings. For the athletes, the mascot is a symbol of their participation in the Games, of the friendships made and the medals won.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg and Scottish Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Kimberley Reed today showed their support for the Games for Scotland programme at a Commonwealth themed dance event featuring 500 children from across Edinburgh.

Delivered by EventScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Games for Scotland programme sees a number of events taking place across the country which inspire, motivate, engage and engender pride in the people of Scotland around Glasgow’s role as host of the next Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Today’s event was delivered in partnership between Edinburgh Leisure and The City of Edinburgh Council and took place at Broughton High School. It celebrated the culmination of a series of dance classes held in schools and communities since the start of the academic year. Following their participation in the programme and with the support of the partners involved, dance provision within communities and schools will be sustained out with the school day.

The Games for Scotland programme of celebrations started on 23rd July, a date which represents three years to go, and will continue until the 27th October, the date which signifies 1,000 days to go until the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Speaking at Dance Fest, Edinburgh Leisure’s Games for Scotland event, David Grevemberg said: “The Games for Scotland programme has provided a fantastic opportunity for people across the country to participate in a number of fascinating events that have celebrated Scotland’s culture, heritage and role as host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“Innovative and exciting cultural programmes are an essential part of any Commonwealth Games and events like Dance Fest here in Edinburgh allow participants the opportunity to enjoy and experience a range of dance and sporting activities. As we prepare to celebrate 1,000 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 on 27th October it’s so inspiring to see events like this running across the country right up until this significant milestone.”

Kimberley Reed, local athlete and silver medallist in the women’s hammer at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man, suggested that the Games for Scotland event programme will play a key role in generating local community interest in the Commonwealth Games in the lead up to 2014: “Obviously having a home Games is going to be huge for Scotland, and getting people interested is really important with only 1000 days to go. I’ve had a taste of it at the Commonwealth Youth Games and that’s just left me wanting more, so I hope other people will feel the same after today.”

Dance Fest saw 500 children from schools across the capital come together for the city’s first ever school based recreational dance show. The event played a huge role in encouraging local people to be active and learn about some of the countries that will take part in the Glasgow 2014 Games. Participating schools included: Ferryhill, Pirnehiall, Broughton, St Mary’s Leith, Granton, Forthview, Flora Stevenson primary schools.

Edinburgh Leisure Legacy Officer Shelagh Jackson said: “Building on the success of the Delhi Commonwealth Games Handover Celebrations in the city last year, today’s event is an excellent celebration of the work being done by all partners on the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Legacy Group to increase participation in dance by young people, showcase dance styles from around the Commonwealth and develop the long term capacity for dance provision in local schools/ communities.

City Education Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said:
“The Commonwealth Games present a fantastic opportunity and we’re determined to make the most of the enthusiasm. A legacy shouldn’t just be assumed, we need to make sure that young people have the opportunity to become involved. Programmes of events which reflect the sporting and cultural values of the Games can do this and I’m confident that pupils who take part in our events will feel that they’ve played their part in Glasgow 2014.”

Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport said: “It’s little more than three years until the start of the Commonwealth Games. Now more than ever in the countdown to 2014 it’s important that we involve local people and communities from across Scotland in the excitement of the Games.

“Hosting the Games is not only about putting on a spectacular sporting extravaganza but also about leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland. The Games for Scotland programme will form a key strand of this and is a perfect platform for bringing the community together. I would encourage everyone to come along, have fun and play their part.”

Paul Bush, EventScotland Chief Operating Officer said:
“With just under three years until the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games events like Dance fest provide local community members with the opportunity to be inspired, motivated and to feel a sense of pride around Scotland’s role as hosts of the next Commonwealth Games. The event is a great example of how local communities can be engaged in, and really feel as though they are a part of the Commonwealth Games”

Events still to come as part of the 2011 Games for Scotland programme include Active Renfrewshire Gateway to the Games, Count us In (Scottish Borders), Dance Track (Falkirk) and East Dunbartonshire Gym and Dance Fest.

‘Get involved and be part of our Games’. For further information on Games for Scotland go to www.eventscotland.org/gamesforscotland

For further information on Glasgow 2014 go to www.glasgow2014.com

Commonwealth Games Scotland has today (11 October) announced the shortlist for the 2011 Lonsdale Trophy, celebrating Scotland’s Sportsperson of the Year.

2010 Lonsdale Trophy winner Hannah Miley, has been nominated following another fantastic year, which included a silver medal at the world championships in Shanghai. Badminton’s Imogen Bankier has also been nominated, having won a mixed-doubles silver medal at the 2011 World Championships, with partner Chris Adcock. Completing the shortlist is cyclist, John Paul, who topped off a great year by winning the World Junior Sprint title in August to follow up wins at the British and European Championships.

Announcing the nominees, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh said: “2011 has been another hugely successful year for Scottish athletes, and the quality of the nominations we have for the Lonsdale Trophy is testament to that. It certainly wasn’t easy selecting the shortlist, but we have chosen three athletes who have truly excelled on the world stage over the past 12 months. We’ll now all look forward to the end of the month, when the winner will be announced at our annual celebration of Scottish sport; the Commonwealth Games Dinner.”

The winner of the 2011 award will be announced at the annual Commonwealth Games Dinner, to be held in partnership with Glasgow 2014 at the Radisson Blu hotel, Glasgow on October 29. The dinner will highlight the achievements of our Youth Team and it will be an occasion to congratulate them as they aspire to 2014 and beyond.

The last remaining tickets for the dinner are available from the Commonwealth Games Scotland office on 01786 466480.

The Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) Coordination Commission (CoCom) today concluded its four-day visit to Glasgow, the first of six which will take place in the lead-up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Summarising the CoCom’s findings, Bruce Robertson, Vice President of the CGF and Chair of the Commission, said:

“The project is on course. There are no ‘red flags’.”

“We are satisfied with progress including the great strength of partnership, progress on planning and delivery of the major infrastructure elements such as the Athletes’ Village and the sports venues, and the clear focus on generating value and legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland.

“The Commonwealth Games are a catalyst for positive change and real economic impact. As an example, 78% of contracts awarded have gone to Scottish companies. The Games will create hundreds of jobs and will achieve sustainable benefits for Glasgow enhancing skills, regeneration of strategically important parts of the city, and developing improved amenity and opportunities for sport and healthy lifestyles.

“The Games governance structures are in good order. The partnership across the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the Organising Committee is impressive; as good as we have seen of any recent Games. Evidence of this partnership can be found in the great job Glasgow City Council have done in delivering the primary venue development with all projects on time and within budget. All of this has been in close collaboration with the Organising Committee.

“We reviewed a number of areas, such as infrastructure, security, transport, workforce ramp up, finance, management and planning; none of the outcomes of the reviews were a surprise to us or the Organising Committee at this stage of the planning process. With just under three years to go the focus now moves on to detailed operational planning. 2014 may seem a long way off, but the level of activity typically accelerates at this stage of a Games project and we all need to shift into the next gear to keep pace.”

“The next Coordination Commission visit is set for April 2012 and at that time we will be looking for the Organising Committee to have recruited more staff. We’ll also be undertaking a further review of Glasgow’s plans for transforming venues into Games-ready facilities, reviewing the sports programme, finalising the routes for the road courses and reviewing the Organising Committee’s ticketing programme. “

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said:

“We are on track and on budget and we’re absolutely delighted to show the Coordination Commission members our progress, as well as discuss the pathway ahead of us. We have achieved a great deal to date, we have a great team and we are confident we will deliver an outstanding Games.”

Michael Cavanagh, Commonwealth Games Scotland’s Chairman, said:

“Commonwealth Games Scotland welcomes the comments from the first visit of the CGF Coordination Commission. Delivering a Games that reflects and meets the needs of athletes and the Commonwealth Games Associations has always been our prime objective. The useful interaction and advice from the Coordination Commission will help ensure we remain well on track to do so whilst also delivering a great Games and legacy for Glasgow and Scotland.”

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:

“I am delighted with the findings of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Glasgow City Council has been making steady progress on delivering the venues and facilities we are providing for the Games, and we are already seeing results from some of the legacy projects which will make a real difference to the lives of Glaswegians, such as the 1,500 school leavers who are now in apprenticeship places.”

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said:

“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will provide us with the opportunity to show the world what vibrant and welcoming places both Glasgow and Scotland are, and in return we’ll have the honour of welcoming some of the world’s greatest athletes to this country.

“I am very pleased with the positive feedback received and I would like to congratulate the Organising Committee and partners on all the work they have done so far. With little more than 1,000 days to go the venues and infrastructure are rising from the ground in Glasgow and all across Scotland people are getting involved and feeling the excitement that the Games will bring.”

Ernst & Young has signed a Tier 2 deal with Glasgow 2014 to become the Official Professional Advisor for the XX Commonwealth Games, strengthening the EY brand in Scotland, the UK, across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Multiple Commonwealth Games medallist on the track, Lee McConnell was in attendance at the official opening of Ernst & Young’s state of the art new offices in Glasgow tonight where the sponsorship deal was announced. They joined Lord Smith, Chairman of Glasgow 2014, the First Minister, Alex Salmond, and Douglas Nisbet, Ernst & Young’s Glasgow Office Managing Partner.

This sponsorship with Glasgow 2014 forms part of a global drive by Ernst & Young to become a market leader in Professional Services in the world of sport.

The announcement is a proud moment for the firm, because Arthur Young, born in 1863 in Glasgow and educated later at Glasgow University, established Arthur Young & Company, before it merged with Ernst & Whinney in 1989 to create Ernst & Young.

Douglas Nisbet, Ernst & Young Glasgow office managing partner, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first global business to pledge its support for Glasgow 2014 and believe our heritage, our history and our position at the heart of the city makes us a natural partner for the Games. Our aim of creating a sustainable legacy for our Scottish practice, underlined by the investment in our new office, mirrors the goals of the Games’ organisers.

“We are committed to providing Glasgow 2014 with world-class professional services support as we work together to achieve those goals and deliver a successful Games that Glasgow and Scotland can be proud of.”

Glasgow 2014 Chairman Lord Smith said: “Ernst & Young is a fantastic addition to the Glasgow 2014 family, and bring with them unparalleled expertise in professional services. By becoming an official supporter for the Games, they have made a strong statement of their support for this country by investing in what will be a truly outstanding Games.

“Working across the globe, as well as recently being appointed as sponsors to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ernst & Young are successfully blending business, culture and sport in Scotland, for their clients, staff and the people of Glasgow.

Welcoming the news, Peter Nicolson, Commonwealth Games Scotland Board member said: “Commonwealth Games Scotland is delighted that Ernst & Young has signed up to provide a wide range of professional advisory services that are absolutely crucial to the complex business of delivering a spectacular, athlete-centred Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. It is great to have a company of their standing on board with the added benefit of their strong interest in the global sports industry.”

As part of this deal, Ernst & Young has committed to providing access to key individuals with multi-Games experience. Their team will be headed by Stephen Farrell, Commonwealth partner at Ernst & Young in Scotland, and will include David Leather, a partner at the firm who was the Deputy Chief Executive at Manchester 2002.

Commonwealth Games Scotland, in partnership with Glasgow 2014, is delighted to present the Commonwealth Games Dinner 2011. Join guests from the world of sport, media and politics as we celebrate the performance of Youth Team Scotland 2011, fresh from the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man, and we look to the future with 1000 days to go until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Our Annual Awards Dinner is a centrepiece of the Scottish sporting calendar, showcasing the activities of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Scottish athletes over the past year. We will highlight the achievements of our Youth Team and it will be an occasion to congratulate them as they aspire to 2014 and beyond.

With only 1000 days to go until Glasgow 2014, there is much to cheer about. Venues are under construction, detailed planning on all aspects of the Games organisation is well underway and the first sponsors are on board. Our athletes are focused and our expectations high.

This unique sporting event is your chance to join our team, to mix with the athletes and to enjoy the drinks reception and a sumptuous three course meal with wine, in one of Scotland’s top contemporary hotels.

The event will start with a ‘Medallists’ Parade’ and go on to feature our prestigious awards:

Athlete of the Youth Games

Scottish Junior Sportsperson of the Year in association with Scottish Sports Aid

The Lonsdale Trophy for Scottish Sportsperson of the Year.

Dancing to Ceilidh band Whisky Kiss will draw the evening to a close.

Pre-dinner drinks commence at 7pm, with carriages at 1am. The cost is £800 for a table of 10. Spaces are limited so please secure your booking by calling T:01786 466480 or email us at info@cgcs.org.uk

A copy of this flyer is available to download and print as a pdf if required. Go to the downloads section at the bottome left of this page.