In the middle of May, 10 Scottish wrestlers accompanied by National Coach, Volodymyr Gladkov and Performance Manager, John Keogh took part in a training camp in Rome in preparation for their first international tournament of the year in Sardinia, in the City of Sassari Cup on the 28th May. The camp went well and also included athletes from hosts Italy, Romania, Moldova and Canada, before travelling on to Sardinia.
This was a great tournament for the Scottish wrestlers to compete in with some of the best wrestling federations in attendance, including Russia, Canada, Latvia, Romania, Moldova, Poland, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Other nations included Israel, Senegal, Slovakia, Iraq, Switzerland and all the UK home countries.
Of the 10 Scottish athletes in attendance, eight competed with two being withdrawn from the tournament due to illness. By the end of the tournament, Scottish wrestlers had acquitted themselves very well with a total of six bronze medals, four from the women two from the men. The other two athletes finished in 5th and 7th place respectively.
Commenting John Keogh said: “This was a very good performance by our athletes, which also saw the team collect a trophy for finishing fifth in the overall team ranking, with only Romania, Spain, Italy and Russia finished ahead of the Scottish team.
“This was a significant achievement considering the level and quality of the competition with over 20 countries competing, and is testament to the athlete’s continuing improvement under the National Coach Volodymyr Gladkov.”
The trip also created a great opportunity for Scottish Wrestling to continue to strengthen links with other nations including Italy, Canada, Romania and Moldova who have asked us to consider holding an international training camp in Scotland and have also invited us to camps in their respective countries. This will all be excellent preparation for the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.
At the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) AGM in Stirling last night, the work of the organisation over the last four years was highlighted. This included the success of Team Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, none which would have been possible without the support of our commercial partners and in particular, sportscotland as the major public supporter of CGS and our member sports.
The planning for the next two Games cycles was also outlined, critically including preparation for the forthcoming home Games in Glasgow in 2014.
A number of key decisions were taken affecting the future management, focus and direction of the organisation over the next four years.
Under the main business of the evening, a new seven member Board was voted in which will oversee the organisation and the preparation of Team Scotland in the build-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Chairman – Michael Cavanagh
Vice-Chairman – Fiona McEwan
Executive Members – Maureen Campbell (2 year term), Jackie Davidson (2 year term), Pete Nicolson (4 year term), Niall Sturrock (4 year term).
Louise Martin CBE remains on the Board as Immediate Past Chairman.
In addition to the positions of Chairman, Vice- Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman and four Executive members, the new Board will have the power to co-opt up to four specialist independent Director positions. Taking into account the skill set of the new Board, these positions may cover Director of Finance, Director of Marketing & Communications, Director of Team Performance Support and Director of Corporate Governance & Compliance, and all of these positions will be filled through an open recruitment process.
An Athlete Representative, Honorary Medical Adviser and Honorary Legal Adviser will continue to be appointed to support the Board. sportscotland the national agency for sport is also invited to send an observer to the Board, as has been the practice for a number of Games cycles.
Michael Cavanagh, who was elected unopposed for a second term as Chairman, committed to using his experience of the last four years to continue to strengthen and develop the organisation as it moves into one of the most exciting and challenging periods in its 80 year history. Commenting on his appointment he said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed for a second term. It has been a real privilege to work with such a committed staff and Board and I look forward to leading the organisation as we focus on selecting, preparing and managing what we hope will be our most successful ever team for Glasgow 2014.”
On the matter of two motions put before the meeting by BadmintonScotland, there was good debate from across the member sports on both issues, but with little or no support for either.
On the proposal to remove all selection standards for Glasgow 2014, a counter motion from the Board was proposed. Following discussion, it was agreed to accept the recommendation from the post Delhi review, that the 2014 general selection policy continues to be developed over the next six months in consultation with the sports involved, for approval by the Council at its Half Yearly meeting in November 2011. This will be based on a team performing with distinction in 2014 and achieving our best ever medal target, whilst also maximising the opportunity of a home Games. As a result Badminton Scotland withdrew its motion and the meeting accepted the counter motion unanimously.
On the issue of CGS providing a share of funding to the 17 Commonwealth Games sports in the Glasgow 2014 programme from the joint marketing agreement monies, the motion was defeated 19-2 with 2 abstentions. The counter motion, which reaffirmed the financial investment principals as outlined at the 2010 AGM, was voted on and carried 21 -1 with 1 abstention. The lead role of sportscotland in the delivery and funding of high performance sport was also supported and clarified.
Tributes were paid to the retiring Honorary Secretary, Douglas Brown, for many years of dedicated service to the organisation, to Ian Edmond, standing down as Athlete’s Representative and Sandy Sutherland for their contributions to the Board over the last four years.
A copy of the CGS Quadrennial Report 2007-2011 is available for download.
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) Chairman Michael Cavanagh discusses the issues that will be raised as the forthcoming AGM.
This year’s CGS AGM on Thursday 26 May is of particular, strategic importance as we vote in a new Board who will be responsible for guiding us through one of the most exciting and important times in our 80 year history, as Scotland prepares to host the next Commonwealth Games in just over three years time.
With a number of motions on the table from BadmintonScotland, I hope sports will take the time to study them thoroughly, ask any questions and think through fully the implications, before drawing to conclusions that could have significant consequences for our organisation.
Whilst motions are welcomed from any member sport for consideration by the full Council, it is important they reflect the true picture and in this case there are a number of inaccuracies in the motions and supporting information that I believe need clarification in advance of the AGM.
Apart from team events where entry numbers are fixed, there are no selection criteria set by the Commonwealth Games Federation. Selection criteria are the responsibility of each participating country. As you already know, we are currently in the middle of a process agreed with sports to review the Delhi criteria, and selection standards for Glasgow 2014 will be set by November 2011.
CGS’s position on selection standards is very clear and has been for the last three Games. The implementation of higher selection standards during that time has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the improved performances of the team. Whilst we recognise that there will be some adjustments to maximise the opportunity of a home Games, we are committed to delivering our most successful team ever in 2014 and to ensure we achieve this, we believe that rigorous performance standards must remain at the core of the selection policy.
The net result of this motion if passed would be for Scotland to have automatic maximum entries in every event, regardless of whether we have athletes who are able to perform with distinction in these events. In Scotland the overall success of the 2014 Games will be judged on the success of Team Scotland. This is a huge responsibility which we take very seriously and we hope you will too.
With regard to funding, the £3.5m figure circulated is incorrect. As previously advised to all sports, CGS will receive a total of £3m from the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee to buy out the CGS marketing rights up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. This is standard practice for major Games including the Olympics. This is not a windfall payment but replaces the sponsorship monies that CGS would normally attract from commercial partners wishing to have an association with Team Scotland. The monies are used for the operational preparation and delivery of the team at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.
A series of commitments and principles for investment of this money were outlined and agreed by all our member sports at our AGM in 2010. We are conscious of the need not only to invest in Glasgow 2014 but also in the period beyond. Uniquely we have to fund teams for three Games within a four year period, whlst also needing to capitalise on a successful home Commonwealth Games. We are also very aware of the current financial climate and the increasing pressures on public finances. The net result of this motion would be to eliminate CGS reserves by the end of the 2018 period making us more reliant on external sources in these uncertain times. It would signal a return to the amateur fundraising days and be a deflection from the focused, professional sports organisation we have become as a result of sound financial planning and security.
Other programmes directly benefitting sports and athletes like the Achieve 2014 programme will continue to be developed, but in making these decisions we are very careful not to duplicate roles and responsibilities of either the individual sports or of sportscotland, whose role is to help fund the preparation of athletes for the Games.
Only last week we announced a new scheme that will see the success and sacrifice of Team Scotland medallists at the Games rewarded once they retire from Commonwealth Games sport. 28 medallists from Delhi will receive a share of £182,500 and the scheme will operate again in 2014. We believe this is a tangible benefit for athletes, resulting at least in part from Scotland being the next Games hosts and CGS receiving monies from the required buy-out of our marketing rights by the Organising Committee. It also complements rather than duplicates other areas of funding.
However we recognise that sports need to be adequately funded if they are to deliver, and we have worked extremely hard together with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to ensure there is appropriate funding in place for the preparation of athletes for the Games. In December 2008 it was announced that £7.5m (of which £3.75m was new money from the Scottish Government) would be available over three years from sportscotland for athlete preparation specific to the Games and we believe this was a significant result. As you will also know from sportscotland, plans for athlete personal awards for potential medallists are also at the discussion stage and is something we would greatly welcome.
It is right and proper that these issues are fully debated at the AGM, however I hope that on reflection the majority of sports will be supportive of the strategic, long-term approach we are taking to ensure Scotland can afford to participate in the Games in the long-term, whilst continuing to be even more successful, punching above its weight on the Commonwealth stage.
It is vital that following the AGM the incoming Board is able to focus on the job in hand and work hard to get us in the best possible shape, not only for Glasgow 2014 but to deliver a successful legacy beyond.
I hope all 26 member sports will do their utmost to attend and we look forward to your input.
Two cities, Gold Coast in Australia and Hambantota in Sri Lanka, are gearing up for the lodgement of their official bids to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (May 11).
Both cities have taken along high-powered delegations for the presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board.
The Co-Chairmen of the Hambantota bid committee, the Minister of Sports Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and the Governor of the Sri Lankan Central Bank, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, along with parliamentarian Hon Namal Rajapaksa, former athlete Sriyani Kulawansa, and the bid Chief Executive Nalin Attygalle, will represent the harbour city.
Another 22 members of bid committee from the public and private sectors and the Armed forces will support them.
The Gold Coast team will be headed by Queensland Premier, Hon Anna Bligh MP, Gold Coast City Mayor, Ron Clarke MBE, Australian Commonwealth Games Association President, Sam Coffa, AM, JP, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Company Chairman, Mark Stockwell, Australian Commonwealth Games Association, CEO, Perry Crosswhite AM, and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Company, CEO, Mark Peters.
Hambantota organisers have said their presentation we will depict Sri Lanka’s culture through music and dance, show what they have to offer the Commonwealth’s 71 countries, and highlight that children are the future who will participate in 2018 if the city is successful in its bid.
Commonwealth Games hurdler, silver medalist, Sriyani Kulawansa, who will speak at the bid ceremony, said: “I won my medal in KL and I am delighted to be back in my medal winning venue to officially lodge the 2018 Bid.”
Hambantota Bid Co-Chairman, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, said: “The key motivation to host a Commonwealth Games is intrinsically linked with plans for the long-term development of the district of Hambantota and the southern province of Sri Lanka.
“Our promise to athletes and guests hoping to visit Hambantota and our beautiful country in 2018, would be that we would provide them with an experience of a lifetime, offering diversity, beauty and charm of our heritage, coupled with exciting festivals and fun.”
Hambantota Bid Committee CEO, Nalin Attygalle, said: “His Excellency, the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, appointed a high powered committee to head our bid. Fifteen team leaders were appointed to lead 15 themes of the bid books.
“A great deal of effort has gone into producing the bid documents.”
Gold Coast organisers have said that their presentation will have a component that illustrates Australia’s passion for the Games and the event readiness of the Gold Coast and Australia to host another successful Games.
Gold Coast Bid Chairman Mark Stockwell said: “Our vision is to present the Gold Coast as the best place to conduct a world class Games with excellent competition in a relaxed and friendly environment. As an athlete I understand and appreciate the focus that is needed to ensure athletes can compete at their very best.”
Australian Commonwealth Games Association President, Sam Coffa said: “The Gold Coast is a city that we confidently endorse as a worthy candidate to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games – where sport and indeed athletes are already very much a focus of the community’s attention. Australians consider the opportunity to host the Games as an honour and a privilege and to that end the ACGA is sure Gold Coast City will uphold Australia’s track record in providing a memorable experience for athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators.”
Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said: “Gold Coast City will not only provide an atmosphere that encourages great athletic performance, but also nurtures new friendships for those involved. It will be a Games that will forge special memories that last a lifetime… like those I have carried with me for more than 50 years.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland today gave their initial recation to the recommendations of the CGF Sports Committee Quadrennial Review.
With regard to the recent meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation Sport Committee in Kuala Lumpur this week and the press release which highlighted recommendations and aspects of the discussions surrounding the review of the sports programme, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) looks forward to receiving a copy of the full report.
Commenting CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig said: “The recommendations will be studied in detail before further consultation with member sports to inform our views, which will be taken to the CGF General Assembly in St Kitts on 11 November, where formal decisions on the future of the sports programme will be made. Whilst recommendations on the Sports Review primarily impact on how events in the 2018 Games and beyond will operate, we will also discuss potential opportunities and implications with Glasgow 2014 in terms of any recommendations that can be taken forward for the 2014 Games that may enhance the sport programme.”
See the attached news release for details.
Download: Download.
In 2010, the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) Board agreed to establish a ‘Medallists’ Reward Scheme’ for athletes representing Team Scotland at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Today, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of CGS, announced that the details of the scheme have now been finalised and that the 28 medallists will receive a share of £182,500.
The purpose of the scheme is to show recognition for Scotland’s most successful Games athletes, and to assist them after they ‘retire’ from competing at elite level, with a boost to their longer term savings and investment planning.
The initiative is being funded through CGS investments, including monies received from the Glasgow 2014 Joint Marketing Plan Agreement.
Commenting on the scheme, Michael Cavanagh said: “It is recognised that whilst many athletes receive some contributions towards their sporting costs whilst competing through the Lottery and other support mechanisms, most put their non-sporting lives on hold and can struggle to re-establish their career after they retire. These funds are targeted to invest in pensions or to assist in establishing their post sporting life following retirement from top flight competition.
“We believe this is a real step forwards and something we are keen to continue for the foreseeable future. We also see this as a tangible benefit for athletes, resulting at least in part from Scotland being the next Games hosts and CGS receiving monies from the required buy-out of our marketing rights by the Organising Committee.”
Gold, silver and bronze medallists at the 2010 Games will receive £10,000, £5,000 and £2,500 respectively. This will be invested on behalf of the athlete and the capital and related interest passed on to the athlete on notification of retirement for their further investment or use. Only one medal per athletes will be rewarded.
Welcoming the news, former swimmer and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Andy Hunter said: “Whilst Lottery and other athlete funding has been a great support during my swimming career, this is a great way of helping athletes prepare for the future. As someone who has just retired from their sport and is starting out on a new career path, this funding will be invaluable in helping me bridge the gap between my old life and my future direction.”
Boxing bronze medallist Stephen Simmons who has recently joined the professional ranks will also benefit and added: “It is great to see the athletes being recognised in this way and I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for introducing this new scheme. Turning pro is a great opportunity for me, but is still no guarantee of financial security and this award will help me through this important transition period.”
Whilst the scheme has initially targeted successful athletes from the recent Delhi 2010 Games, it is planned to operate a similar scheme for Glasgow 2014.
Shooting double gold medallist from Delhi, Jen McIntosh is delighted to be one of 10 athletes receiving the top award of £10,000 and said: “I am already really excited about the prospect of competing in front of a home crowd in Glasgow in 2014 and trying to repeat my achievements from Delhi. However this is a great additional boost for athletes, knowing that they will be recognised and supported in the longer term. I have put my studies on hold this last year to help me realise my sporting dreams and this type of initiative will be really beneficial when the time comes to move on from being a full-time athlete.”
28 Recipients following the 2010 Games are:
10 Gold Medallists – £100,000
Robbie Renwick (Swimming) – £10,000
Hannah Miley (Swimming) – £10,000
Callum Johnson (Boxing) – £10,000
Jonathan Hammond (Shooting) – £10,000
Neil Stirton – (Shooting) – £10,000
Jennifer McIntosh (Shooting) – £10,000
Kay Copland (Shooting) – £10,000
David Millar – £10,000
Jocelyn Rae (Tennis) – £10,000
Colin Fleming (Tennis) – £10,000
15 Silver Medallists – £75,000
David Carry (Swimming) – £5,000
Andy Hunter (Swimming) – £5,000
Jak Scott (Swimming – £5,000
Cameron Brodie (Swimming) – £5,000
Lewis Smith (Swimming) – £5,000
Sean Fraser (Swimming) – £5,000
Michael Jamieson (Swimming) – £5,000
Eilidh Child (Athletics) – £5,000
Josh Taylor (Boxing) – £5,000
Jennifer Davis (Cycling) – £5,000
Charline Joiner (Cycling) – £5,000
Shona Marshall (Shooting) – £5,000
Angus McLeod (Shooting) – £5,000
Ian Shaw (Shooting) – £5,000
Peter Kirkbride (Weightlifting) – £5,000
3 Bronze Medallists – £7,500
Stephanie Twell (Athletics) – £2,500
Stephen Simmons (Boxing) – £2,500
Lauren Smith (Synchronised Swimming) – £2,500
Total 28 Medallists – £182,500
Welcome to the new Commonwealth Games Scotland website. We hope you enjoy exploring all the new sections and information contained within it, as well as the fabulous images of Team Scotland in action.
Since the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October 2010, we have been reviewing the requirements of our site to meet the needs of our member sports and athletes who are preparing for future Commonwealth Games, as well as improving the archive of historical information and background about the Games and Team Scotland for the wider sporting community and general public. With the next Games coming to Glasgow in 2014 there has been a significant increase in interest in our area of work and we are sure this is set to grow even further over the next three years.
Throughout the site you will find lots of excellent images showcasing the athletes and their achievements. There is a complete history of Team Scotland’s performances at both the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Youth Games. Visit the Top Scotsat the Games section to see if you know who tops the all-time medal table of Scottish athletes – you may get a few surprises!
We look forward to building on the new site in the future, to bring you the latest news about team preparations and performances from the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man and beyond.
Do something extraordinary… Do YOU know someone who fits the bill??
The sportscotland institute of sport is running a new Gold4Glasgow campaign in the sport of Powerlifting for athletes with a disability.
You can help us unearth potential Scottish medallists simply by spreading the word… and passing this information on to change someone’s life!!
Gold4Glasgow – Powerlifting
The Powerlifting initiative is very exciting for Scottish sport. Not only are we looking for medals contenders for Glasgow 2014, but this is the first time the sport has had an elite programme based in Scotland. Due to the nature of the sport and the competition, we are seeking individuals with specific disabilities.
From the history of past Powerlifting events, we are particularly looking for persons with:
Amputees
Cerebral Palsy
Spinal Cord injuries
Dwarfism
If you know someone who is sport and strong, we would be very keen to test them at our talent assessment day. Even if they are not currently competing in sport, but are an enthusiastic gym user and like to work out, they may be exactly what we are looking for – determined and committed people who will work hard.
Pass this information on to friends, colleagues, family members, athletes, gym buddies, friends of friends and even people who you don’t know!!
We need your help to spread the word… f or further information or want to know how to get involved, head over to www.gold4glasgow.com.
Or if you’re on facebook… click here!!
At a Special General Meeting of the Commonwealth Games Scotland Council on Tuesday 29 March 2011, approval was given for a number of changes to the CGS Board structure, to reflect the needs of the organisation going forwards.
From the next CGS AGM on 26 May 2011, the Board will consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and four Executive members voted for by member sports. In addition the new Board will have the power to co-opt up to four specialist positions which will be Director of Finance, Director of Marketing & Communications, Director of Team Performance Support and Director of Corporate Governance & Compliance. All of these positions will be filled through an open recruitment process.
An Athlete Representative, Honorary Medical Adviser and Honorary Legal Adviser will continue to be appointed in an advisory capacity. sportscotland the national agency for sport is also invited to send an observer to the Board, as has been the practice for a number of Games cycles.
All nominations for the elected Board positions must be submitted to CGS by Monday 18 April 2011. Nomination forms can be found on the Board Member section of this website or by contacting the CGS office.
Team Scotland athletes have been at the forefront of the Glasgow 2014 Sport Your Trainers campaign, which culminated today on Commonwealth Day, 14 March 2011, with more than 750,000 people across the country wearing their trainers to demonstrate their support for Commonwealth Games which will be held in Glasgow in 2014.
The six week campaign was launched last month by Commonwealth Games gold medallist, swimmer Robbie Renwick and since then some 30 Team Scotland athletes have been taking part in online films and photocalls from Selkirk to Inverness to urge the Scottish public to lend their support to the campaign.
Team Scotland Athletics star Lee McConnell said: “Some of my best sporting memories are from the Commonwealth Games, from my silver medal in the 400m in Manchester in 2002 to my 400m hurdles bronze in Melbourne.
“I am particularly proud that the next Commonwealth Games will be hosted by my hometown and, although I will no longer be competing, I am really looking forward to joining the people of Scotland in welcoming the Games in 2014.
“I think ‘Sport Your Trainers’ is a fantastic way for the country to show its support for Scotland’s Games and, with Glasgow 2014 now less than four years away, there is a growing sense of excitement and anticipation amongst the athletes preparing to compete. I’ll definitely be wearing my trainers on March 14th. The people of Scotland are right behind 2014 and I hope they’ll join me in ‘Sporting their Trainers’ today on Commonwealth Day.”
2006 Badminton bronze medallist and current GB number one in singles, Susan Egelstaff also joined in the campaign and commented: “It’ll come as no surprise as a full-time athlete that I wear trainers on a daily basis!
“I’m really excited about the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow, and pleased to see so much activity to generate awareness and enthusiasm for the event so early on. The Glasgow 2014 “Sport Your Trainers” initiative is one I am happy to support. It sends a message across Scotland that the Games are for us all to get involved in.
“Although a few of us will be lucky enough to compete in the Games, the significance of Glasgow hosting the event is much wider than the two weeks of activities happening on the court, track, field, pitch or in the water!
My love for badminton started at primary school, I was good at other sports too – and not so good at some – but through trying I found one where I had talent. And, if the Commonwealth Games in 2014 can spur children into trying out different kind of sports, other than the traditional ones like football or hockey, who knows, Scotland may produce a future gold medallist.
“The opportunity the Games gives to showcase sports like badminton is fantastic. I’d be delighted if the Games produce the ‘Wimbledon Effect’ and we all get enthused about a sport we may not have played since school, or at all, because we’ve had the chance to watch and cheer for international athletes.”
Road Cyclist, Jane Barr is also encouraging people to get on their bikes and back the initiative and added: “Having competed in Delhi last year, I can’t wait for the Games to come to Scotland in 2014. For me personally, there’s a huge sense of achievement connected with completing a successful race when you’re being cheered on by friends, family and local supporters.
“There’s also a sporting advantage for us racing on home soil. In Scotland, there’s no need for me to acclimatise to the weather (as was the case in Delhi) and I am used to racing on the country’s notoriously hilly roads – something I’m hoping to capitalise on in 2014.
“Above all else, the main difference for us competing in Scotland will be the home support. Having a huge crowd behind us will really make a difference to all the athletes competing in the Games and I know, true to form, the Scottish people will turn out in high numbers and cheer us on all the way to the end.
“I think ‘Sport Your Trainers’ is a great idea and will help generate awareness of the Games throughout the whole country. I am ‘Sporting my Trainers’ today along with other members of Team Scotland and we hope the rest of the country will join us and get behind the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Thanks to all our athletes who have given up their time to support the campaign.