The sport and venue programme for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which will take place from 27 July to 7 August 2022, was confirmed at a sporting showcase at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre – one of the key venue clusters for the Games.
17 sports will take place over 11 days of action-packed competition, at venues across the host city, throughout the West Midlands and beyond. Most venues are already open and well-established and experienced hosts of world-class sport – the exception being the new Aquatics Centre to be built six miles from Birmingham City Centre in Sandwell.
The sport programme for Birmingham 2022 includes all mandatory sports and disciplines as per Commonwealth Games Federation rules, as well as an approved selection of optional sports chosen by the local bid committee: Diving, 3×3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball, Mountain Biking, Track Cycling and Track Para-Cycling, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Para-Triathlon. Wheelchair Basketball will make its first appearance at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, with organisers having committed to ensuring that the 2022 edition builds on the Commonwealth Games’ track record of inclusive para-sport and gender equal medal opportunities.
12 of the 17 sports take place within Birmingham itself: Athletics and Para-Athletics will take place at a significantly-upgraded Alexander Stadium, located close to the Commonwealth Games Village; Arena Birmingham will host Gymnastics; whilst the NEC campus will host six sports – Badminton, Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis, Weightlifting (including Para-Powerlifting) and Wrestling. Birmingham University’s facilities will be home to Hockey and Squash; and Aston Villa’s football ground Villa Park will be the stadium for the Rugby Sevens action. A city-centre location for the 3×3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball events is being finalised.
Venues across the West Midlands will also host Games action with Triathlon taking place at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield; Mountain Biking at Cannock Chase; Netball at the Coventry Arena and Lawn Bowls in Royal Leamington Spa. Finally, the velodrome at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games, will host Track Cycling on the tenth anniversary of those Games.
With interest expressed from a number of additional sports and disciplines over and above the programme announced, the Organising Committee will be conducting a review and costing to look at the possibility of including additional sports or disciplines to the Games.
Chief Executive at Commonwealth Games Scotland, Jon Doig OBE, said: “Commonwealth Games Scotland is excited about a UK based Games, being close to home will be a brilliant opportunity for friends, family and fans to show their support in 2022. The venue cluster at the NEC Complex is reminiscent of the highly successful SECC cluster at Glasgow 2014 and will be a vibrant, dynamic hub during Games time. It is fantastic that the majority of venues are in place and, through hosting many sporting events, are familiar to our athletes and ready to welcome the Commonwealth in just under four years’ time.”
Read more about Birmingham 2022 and venues here.
Thanks to continuing support from a private individual, 18 talented young athletes from eleven sports have received awards from the PHM Scholarship Support Fund for 2019.
2018 has shown just how Scotland’s athletes can inspire young people through their performances, but breaking through to senior international level is tough and the costs of training and competition mean athletes can struggle to reach their full potential. Established in 2012, the fund provides awards of up to £1,000 to athletes under the age of 26, to assist with their preparation for significant major events including the Commonwealth Games. This year applications were open to all CGS member sports, with Para-Sport athletes also being recognised for the first time.
Amongst the athletes set to benefit, is swimmer Scott McLay, Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth Youth Games athlete, winning five medals at Bahamas 2017. Scott then stepped up to win a relay bronze at Gold Coast 2018.
Other members of the Gold Coast 2018 team supported include Vicky Glover, Scotland’s first female boxer at a Commonwealth Games and Erin Wallace, who won 1500m gold at Bahamas 2017 and then competed in Triathlon on the Gold Coast. Kelvin Cham, who won bronze in Gold Coast in the Men’s Gymnastics Team event is joined by fellow gymnast Ellie Russell, part of the women’s team which placed 5th.
Two recipients are currently in Buenos Aires where the 2018 Youth Olympic Games are taking place; Christopher Grimley competing in the Badminton competition and Georgia Adderley participating as a Squash Ambassador, with the sport being showcased as an event outwith the main sports programme.
The Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust are delighted to announce support for these young athletes, who will hope to follow in the footsteps of past recipients, many of whom have gone on to win medals on the international stage, including boxer Charlie Flynn, swimmer Craig Benson, badminton player Kirsty Gilmour and track athlete Zoey Clark. In the past six years, 28 athletes have been supported with over £63,000 of financial aid.
Caitlin McClatchey, Chair of the Trust and former Team Scotland swimming double gold medallist said: “We are truly indebted to this private individual who continues to recognise the potential of young athletes in Scotland and whose support has already delivered tangible benefits for many athletes.
“The transition from youth to senior level is a crucial time in an athlete’s development and this support allows them to fully focus on realising their sporting aspirations. We received over 50 applications for much needed support and we would love to hear from other individuals or organisations who could help us to expand the programme in the future.”
PHM Scholarship Athletes 2019
Scott Gibson – Swimming
Archie Goodburn – Swimming
Scott McLay – Swimming
Cameron Radigan – Para-Archery
Alisha Rees – Athletics
Ross Paterson – Para-Athletics
Erin Wallace – Athletics
Christopher Grimley – Badminton
Vicky Glover – Boxing
Sam Hickey – Boxing
Sarah Jane Hampson – Fencing
Kelvin Cham – Gymnastics
Ellie Russell – Gymnastics
David Ferguson – Judo
Aiden Moffat – Judo
Jack Burns – Rowing
Evie Gallagher – Rugby
Georgia Adderley – Squash
How to support
If you would like to help us make a difference for more young Scottish athletes, then please contact us to discuss becoming a partner or supporter with a one off donation, regular giving or by supporting the Team Scotland Sports Awards event. Call 01786 466480 or email scgyouthtrust@teamscotland.scot
Scotland’s most decorated female athlete in Commonwealth Games history, Jen McIntosh, has announced her retirement from competitive shooting with immediate effect.
Paul Bush, Chair at Commonwealth Games Scotland paid tribute to her remarkable career, wishing her all the best on her retirement:
“She was an inspirational figure for Team Scotland athletes in her three Games and hugely successful at World and European level,” he said. “She is a great ambassador for Commonwealth Games and for the sport of Shooting and I hope that she continues her involvement in some capacity as she steps away from the field of competition.”
Following silver at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, Jen won two gold and a bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games aged just 19. She went on to become the most decorated female athlete in Scottish Commonwealth Games history – a record previously held by her mother, Shirley – by adding silver and bronze to her tally at Glasgow 2014. Looking back on a career that also saw her compete for Team GB at two Olympic Games and win medals at World, Commonwealth and European Championships, she said:
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but was actually taken some time ago and is not in any way a reflection on recent performances or results. Over time, circumstances change and we have to reconsider what it is we really want from life and if the cost of chasing a dream is truly worth it. The circumstances surrounding my retirement are perhaps not what I would have chosen, they are what they are and I am confident I have made the right call.”
Jen competed at her third Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast 2018 in April and, earlier this month, won bronze at the World Championships in South Korea, alongside sister Seonaid and Zoe Bruce in the 50m Rifle Prone team event.
“I have achieved a huge amount over the last ten years and I am incredibly proud of what I have accomplished,” said Jen. “Sport will always hold a special place in my heart. It has taught me to enjoy the pursuit of excellence, not just the achievement of it. Those are values that I intend to live the rest of my life by and I am incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to learn that.”
Jen attributes her career to the support of a number of people who have helped her along the way.
“Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my journey – sportscotland and the SIS, STS, UK Sport, British Shooting, Team GB, Team Scotland, my teammates, my support team, the people across the world who have followed my career and cheered me on all the way, my friends and my family. Maybe it’s a cliché to say it, but I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Following an outstanding season that saw him become Scotland’s most successful athlete ever at a single Commonwealth Games, with six medals in Gold Coast, followed by four medals at the European Championships in Glasgow, Duncan Scott added to his accolades tonight as he lifted the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy as 2018 Scottish Sportsperson of the Year, at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards.
With a host of sporting stars, including medallists from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and recent European Championships in attendance, the evening was an inspirational celebration of their outstanding achievements, as well as the success of individuals, schools, clubs and teams across the whole of Scottish sport.
Named Male Athlete of the Year for the second year in succession, Duncan added the title of Scottish Sportsperson of the Year, putting his name on the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy alongside past winners such as Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Andy Murray and Dame Katherine Grainger. His gold in the 100m Freestyle was the undoubted highlight of an incredible haul in Gold Coast, as he touched ahead of multiple World Champion and four-time Olympic medallist Chad le Clos of South Africa. It was the first time a Scottish athlete has ever won this event and he was just four hundredths of a second outside the Games record. Three gold and one sliver, plus two Championship records at the European Championships in front of a home crowd in Glasgow, rounded off an incredible few months for the 21 year old.
Duncan’s success came on a superb night for the University of Stirling swimming programme, as Duncan’s coach Steven Tigg took the Coach of the Year award. Alongside Duncan’s phenomenal record, Steven also coached England’s Amiee Wilmott to Commonwealth Games gold in the 400m Individual Medley, as well as Craig MacLean and Scott McLay who made their senior Commonwealth Games debuts, swimming the heats for Scotland’s bronze medal winning 4x100m Freestyle Relay.
Laura Muir’s sensational season, which saw her claim three global medals and win the overall Diamond League crown over 1500m, alongside successfully completing her veterinary degree, gave her the nod for Female Athlete of the Year. She topped an extremely strong shortlist, which included diver Grace Reid and cyclist Katie Archibald who both did the Commonwealth and European Championships gold medal double.
Cycling had a hugely successful night as, alongside Katie’s nomination, they were winners of Governing Body of the Year, in addition to Neil Fachie, with pilot Matt Rotherham, being named Para-Sport Athlete of the Year, after winning two gold medals at the World Para-Cycling Championships and repeating the same double just two weeks later at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Para-Cycling was in the spotlight once again, as 2012 Paralympic gold medallist David Smith MBE took the Team Scot of the Year award in recognition of his incredible drive and determination in the face of adversity. A true ambassador for Team Scotland and Scottish sport, his fight to continue to compete at the top level, despite a recurring spinal-cord tumor and residual paralysis following surgery, has inspired many people, both in Scotland and around the world.
There were huge receptions for both Scotland’ men’s cricket and rugby teams, popular winners of Sporting Moment of the Year and Team of the Year respectively. Cricket’s historic win over England in their One Day International, including Calum MacLeod’s whirlwind 140 off 94 balls, was the moment that captured the heart of the nation and majority of the public vote. Rugby’s Calcutta Cup heroics gave them the nod over Team Scotland’s Basketball and Lawn Bowls teams from Gold Coast and Celtic FC for Team of the Year.
Scotland’s most successful athlete in Commonwealth Games history, after winning a record fifth gold in Gold Coast, Alex Marshall MBE was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of an outstanding, and still ongoing, career. A Scottish international since 1987, Gold Coast was an incredible sixth Games appearance for Team Scotland. He also holds the record for the most World titles with 20, beginning with three gold medals at the 1992 World Outdoor Championships and continuing all the way through to a record sixth World Indoor Singles title in 2015.
In contrast, at the start of his career and selected to represent Team Scotland in Gold Coast at the age of just 16, Lucas Thomson was the winner of the Sir Peter Heatly Trophy as Young Athlete of the Year. He had a phenomenal 12 months, finishing fifth in two finals in Gold Coast and going on to win a silver and two bronze at the European Junior Championships, four medals on the senior FINA Diving Grand Prix Series and gold at the World Junior Diving Championships.
Individuals and organisations driving success at all levels of Scottish sport were also honoured, with Jim Hay named as Volunteer of the Year for his work in Squash, while SAPC Community Sports Hub took Community Hub, Club or School of the Year.
With 2018 designated the Year of Young People, there was also a special award, presented by Young Scot, for 18 year old Kamil Cybulski, recognising his outstanding volunteer work, including founding Glasgow Devils Basketball Club and guiding them to third place in the league.
Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Tonight has been a fantastic celebration of what has been and continues to be a golden year for Scottish sport, with our athletes excelling across a packed schedule of championship events.
“A huge thank you to our partners and sponsors, whose support has made this fantastic event possible and enables us to properly recognise the achievements of the individuals, teams and organisations that help to put Scotland on the sporting map.
“There is much to look forward to in 2019, with Scotland welcoming world-class athletes to the European Indoor Athletics Championships and the 2019 Solheim Cup. I am quite sure we will be celebrating our athletes’ achievements at these and other major events this time next year.”
Over 550 people joined the celebrations at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, where the evening was hosted by highly respected TV presenters Hazel Irvine and Dougie Vipond, with funds raised for the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust.
2018 AWARD WINNERS
Scottish Sportsperson of the Year – Emirates Lonsdale Trophy: Duncan Scott, Swimmng
Male Athlete of the Year – sponsored by Brand Oath: Duncan Scott, Swimming
Female Athlete of the Year – sponsored by J Thomson Colour Printers: Laura Muir, Athletics
Para-Sport Athlete of the Year – sponsored by sportscotland: Neil Fachie with Matt Rotherham, Para-Cycling
Young Athlete of the Year – Sir Peter Heatly Trophy, sponsored by Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust: Lucas Thomson, Diving
Team of the Year – sponsored by PSL Team Sports: Scotland Men’s Rugby
Coach of the Year – sponsored by University of Stirling: Steven Tigg, Swimming
Sporting Moment of the Year – sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments:
Scotland’s win over England in One Day International Cricket
Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by QTV Sports: Jim Hay, Squash
Governing Body of the Year – sponsored by Eden Mill and Fever Tree: Scottish Cycling
Community Hub, Club or School of the Year – sponsored by Active Scotland: SAPC Community Sports Hub
Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Commonwealth Games Scotland: Alex Marshall MBE, Lawn Bowls
Team Scot of the Year – sponsored by Commonwealth Games Scotland: David Smith MBE, Para-Cycling
Year of Young People Award – sponsored by Young Scot: Kamil Cybulski, Basketball
The finalists have been revealed in ten hotly contested award categories, as anticipation continues to mount ahead of the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 13 September. From dozens of nominations received and thousands of votes cast in an online poll, the top contenders in the running for awards have been named.
A host of Scotland’s top athletes will be in attendance on the evening, including many of the medallists from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the recent European Championships. They will be joined by leaders from the worlds of sport and business to celebrate a golden year for Scottish sport, recognising the stunning achievements of individuals, schools, clubs and teams across the whole country. This special night of inspiration and entertainment will be hosted by respected television presenters Hazel Irvine and Dougie Vipond, with funds being raised for the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust.
Awarded to the individual athlete whose achievement represents excellence in sport at the highest level, winners of Male Athlete, Female Athlete, Para-Sport Athlete and Young Athlete of the Year will go forward with a chance to add their name to the historic Emirates Lonsdale Trophy as the 2018 Scottish Sportsperson of the Year. The winner will follow in the footsteps of past recipients including six-time winner, Sir Chris Hoy.
In the running are swimmer Duncan Scott, whose six medals in Gold Coast make him Scotland’s most successful athlete at a single Games and bowler Alex Marshall MBE, whose record fifth gold medal on the Australian greens makes him Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth Games athlete of all-time. They are joined by a host of Commonwealth Games and European Championships medallists, including fellow Gold Coast history maker Grace Reid, whose Diving gold was Scotland’s first for 60 years and a first ever in the women’s events and cyclist, Katie Archibald.
Scotland’s emerging stars create a strong line-up of finalists for Young Athlete of the Year with diver Lucas Thomson and triathlete Erin Wallace, who both made their senior Commonwealth Games debut in Gold Coast, joined on the shortlist by European Youth 1500m champion Kane Elliott and World Youth Windsurfing champion Islay Watson. Scotland’s team sports have also been in fine form, with Rugby, Football, Basketball and Lawn Bowls represented on the shortlist for Team of the Year.
As we honour Scotland’s sporting heroes, those who have worked behind the scenes to guide them to unprecedented success over the past 12 months will also step into the limelight, with outstanding candidates named as finalists for Coach of the Year.
Also recognised are the organisations and individuals making a difference to Scottish sport from the grassroots to international level. The standard of nominations for Governing Body of the Year, Community Hub, Club or School of the Year and Volunteer of the Year were particularly strong with tough decisions faced by the judging panel to narrow it down to just three finalists.
The Scottish public have come out in force to vote for Scotland’s Sporting Moment of the Year in an online poll to decide which Scottish sporting performance over the last 12 months deserves to take the title. From a shortlist of seven, the winner will be announced on Awards night.
Paul Bush OBE, Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “2018 has been a standout year for Scottish sport, with a packed schedule of major events including the Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and Paralympics and a European Championships on home soil in Glasgow.
“From athletes performing at the highest level to the organisations helping people take their first steps into physical activity, the individuals and teams shortlisted represent the absolute pinnacle of achievement in sport. I look forward to celebrating with them at our very own Scottish Sporting Oscars, on what will be a memorable and inspirational evening.”
Category Finalists
Male Athlete of the Year – supported by Brand Oath
Alex Marshall MBE (Lawn Bowls)
Duncan Scott (Swimming)
Mark Stewart (Cycling)
Jake Wightman (Athletics)
Female Athlete of the Year – supported by J Thomson Colour Printers
Katie Archibald (Cycling)
Laura Muir (Athletics)
Grace Reid (Diving)
Para-Sport Athlete of the Year – supported by sportscotland
Neil Fachie with Matt Rotherham (Cycling)
Alison Patrick with Hannah Drewett / Nicole Walters (Triathlon)
Toni Shaw (Swimming)
Team of the Year – supported by PSL Team Sports
Team Scotland Basketball, Gold Coast 2018
Celtic Football Club
Team Scotland Lawn Bowls, Gold Coast 2018
Scotland Men’s Rugby
Young Athlete of the Year – supported by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust
Kane Elliott (Athletics)
Lucas Thomson (Diving)
Erin Wallace (Athletics/Triathlon)
Islay Watson (Windsurfing)
Coach of the Year – supported by University of Stirling
Lesley McKenna (Snowsports)
Steven Tigg (Swimming)
Andy Young (Athletics)
Volunteer of the Year – supported by QTV Sports
Kamil Cybulski (Basketball)
Janice Eaglesham (Disability Sport)
Jim Hay (Squash)
Community Hub / School / Club of the Year – supported by Active Scotland
SAPC Community Sports Hub
Team East Lothian Athletics Club
Tryst Community Sports Hub / Larbert High School
Governing Body of the Year
Cricket Scotland
Scottish Cycling
Scottish Disability Sport
Sporting Moment of the Year – supported by Aberdeen Standard Investments
Cycling: Mark Stewart wins Points Race gold at Gold Coast 2018, beating five-time World Champion Cameron Mayer.
Lawn Bowls: Scotland’s Men’s Fours snatch victory over Australia in the final end of the Gold Coast 2018 final, a record fifth Commonwealth Games gold for Alex Marshall MBE.
Diving: Grace Reid nails her final dive of the Gold Coast 2018 1m Springboard final to take Scotland’s first diving gold for 60 years and a first ever in the women’s events.
Cricket: Scotland stun England in One Day International Cricket with a historic victory on home soil over the number one ranked side in the world.
Swimming: Duncan Scott wins 100m Freestyle gold in Gold Coast, coming from behind to beat Australian Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers and multiple world and Olympic medallist Chad Le Clos.
Athletics: Laura Muir, newly qualified as a vet, storms away from the field to take 1500m gold at the European Championships, her first outdoor major championship title.
Triathlon: Marc Austin takes Scotland’s first medal of Gold Coast 2018 in impressive style, dropping World and Olympic medallists the Brownlee brothers on route to the podium.
Gold Coast 2018 Badminton athlete, turned coffee company owner, Patrick MacHugh will be a proud event partner at this year’s Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards.
Patrick’s successful Badminton career took him to his second Commonwealth Games earlier this year on the Gold Coast. He also took gold in both Men’s and Mixed Doubles at the 2017 Scottish Championships and began 2018 with silver at the Swedish International.
Now taking the hipster world of coffee by storm, Patrick, along with his brother Finlay and British Curling athlete Ross Patterson, set up Power Press Coffee back in February.
We caught up with Patrick to hear all about it:
Congratulations on starting your own business. My first question has to be, why coffee?
“I started drinking coffee, maybe 3 years ago now and could feel myself more alert in training after having one. On top of this my brother, Finlay and also Ross all drank coffee and we just started to do a bit of research in to the effects of caffeine for performance. As we are all involved in sport, it was something that was really interesting for us.”
What’s it like switching from being a full time athlete to a business owner?
“The main thing I have noticed is that my days are a lot less structured. For the previous 8 years I was in the routine of training from about 8am-11am followed by a lengthy lunch break and then back to training 2pm-4pm. But I am enjoying the odd longer lie in and the freedom to meet a whole variety of people throughout the week. Going in to the business world it is a new challenge and one that I am so far really enjoying getting stuck in to. As our coffee is designed towards sports people, a lot of our events so far have taken place in gyms, in particular CrossFit gyms, so I have joined in sessions while doing these and they have been very tough but enjoyable trying something else out as well.”
Do you miss being a full-time athlete?
“As an athlete I was very fortunate to be able to travel to a number of different countries (some that I probably wouldn’t have thought I’d ever go to) so I will miss seeing these places and the people you meet, not only in the badminton world, but through the sportscotland Institute of Sport as well. For me though, I had done everything I had wanted to do within the sport and I was looking forward to this new challenge of running the business – we set it up in February of this year so we got the ball rolling with it before I stopped playing.”
What is your average day like now?
“My days are so varied which keeps it really interesting. Some days I am out doing events, coffee tastings with prospective clients, networking events, meeting with suppliers – these are the parts I particularly enjoy as I get to meet a whole range of people and share our product and idea with them. The other side of things, and one I’m getting used to doing more often, is accounting related things (I tried to avoid this when I was at uni). A lot of time is also spent contacting people via email or phone but we have been fortunate with our backgrounds in sport that we have been able to connect with a lot of businesses and people relatively easily.”
Coffee is so hipster/Instagram cool these days, what makes you stand out in the market from everyone else?
“That is probably the main question I get when I am out at events is “what makes you different?” For us, the presence of the hipster coffee shop has increased hugely on the high street which I think is great – it’s creating a whole new culture in young people to meet in places like these. Where we are different is that we are gearing it more towards the sporting and business environments with the aim of using caffeine to get the best out of your day in the office or your session in the gym.
“We have been working closely with The University of Strathclyde to get our coffees tested for their caffeine content. We have just got these results back, so on the back of that people will be able to time their coffee consumption prior to their session or important meeting in order to be at their most alert. Something that isn’t considered much is finding a consumption of coffee that works for you so you don’t have a massive spike in energy then crash later on in the day. People watch calories in their diet and time consumption of food before training, so effectively it is the same that needs to be done for your coffee consumption. On top of that, it is a natural product with nothing added to it to bring the different flavours out and we want to encourage people (especially sports people) to use it as their pre session drink over the likes of pre workout supplements or energy drinks that are often full of chemicals or sugar.”
What is your five year plan?
“The five year plan is to continue growing Power Press Coffee – we are still at the very early stages of this and especially over the next 6 months we will be looking to raise awareness of the brand and company. Which is why opportunities like coming to the Team Scotland Awards are so valuable for us. Currently, we are in the process of making a cold brew coffee (100ml bottle) that will be released shortly. Going forward we will be looking to start attending more large events, both in the fitness industry and business environment.
“For me personally, I am still doing some badminton coaching on the side of day-to-day running of the business and look to gain some other work experience in marketing, hopefully within the sporting world. Even having done a marketing degree at university, every day I am faced with new challenges. Expanding my own knowledge is something I think is key to growing myself as a person and in turn helping grow the business.”
Finally, do you have any wise words of wisdom for anyone thinking of starting their own business?
“Just do it!! If you’ve got a good business idea then I think it is a great step to take. In the 7/8 months we’ve been going it is so satisfying when you achieve things, however small or large. Don’t get me wrong, there are of course times when you are working and working and the reward is minimal, but I think having been an athlete prepares you very well if you start your own business – you know and are willing to put in the hours to get the rewards – and an added bonus is I’ve stopped waking up every morning with my body in all sorts of pain from training!”
Patrick and his team will be at the EICC on the 13 September for this year’s Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards, where you can try Power Press Coffee for yourself.
Three outstanding individuals have been named as finalists for Coach of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards, with Lesley McKenna (Snowsports), Steven Tigg (Swimming) and Andy Young (Athletics) in the running for the prestigious award sponsored by the University of Stirling.
While Scotland’s star athletes thrill and inspire on the international stage, their success would not be possible without the dedication and expert knowledge of their coaches behind the scenes.
A former international snowboarder, Lesley McKenna has made the transition from three times Winter Olympic athlete & World Cup winner to world class coach. Managing the Pipe & Park programme at British Ski & Snowboard, she was the squad’s Olympic Team Leader at Pyoengchang 2018 where Team GB had their most successful Winter Olympic Games in history, including bronze medals for Pipe & Park squad members Billy Morgan and Izzy Atkin. She has been in post since 2012 and a crucial part of her work has been to link traditional sporting culture and action sports culture to create the philosophy that has led the GB Park & Pipe team to such success.
Delighted to be named as a finalist, Lesley said: “I am very honoured to be nominated for this award, and to be put forward by Badenoch and Strathspey Sports Council who have supported my sporting career from when I was at school, right the way through until the present day. I actually had no idea that I had been nominated and it came as a very pleasant surprise to hear I had made it on to the shortlist, especially as I think there are so many really, really great coaches working in Scotland right now with some equally great athletes.”
Steven Tigg coached Duncan Scott to an impressive array of Commonwealth and European medals as he became Scotland’s most successful athlete ever at a single Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and three times European champion in Glasgow. He also coached England’s Aimee Wilmott to 400m Individual Medley gold in Gold Coast, as well as young swimmers Craig MacLean and Scott McLay who made their senior Commonwealth Games debuts, swimming the heats for Scotland’s bronze medal winning 4x100m Freestyle Relay.
Joint winner of this award in 2016, Steven said: “It is amazing to be nominated for this award, especially given all the fantastic achievements from Scottish athletes, teams and their coaches over the past 12 months. We have an excellent team of staff and it is great to be recognised.”
2018 was Andy Young’s toughest year yet as he guided Laura Muir through her final year of veterinary studies. He supported he so well that she managed to win three global medals and graduate successfully, winning two medals at the World Indoor Championships whilst undertaking exams. She went on to take her first major championships title outdoors at the European Championships in Berlin, also claiming the overall Diamond League crown over 1500m. Andy also took young athlete Jemma Reekie to a seven second personal best over 1500m, World Cup bronze and the European Championships semi-finals.
“It’s an honour to be recognised as one of the elite coaches in your home country,” said Andy. “You enjoy seeing the results of your hard work with the success of your athletes on the track or field, but it’s nice when others too acknowledge your hard work and the key role you play in that success and put you forward for such awards.”
Congratulating the three finalists, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Behind each of our international athletes is an outstanding coach, and our three finalists represent the pinnacle of achievement, guiding their athletes to some truly outstanding results at the year’s major championships. Recognition at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards is just reward for their huge contribution and I look forward to celebrating with them on 13 September.”
Sponsor of the Coach of the Year award, the University of Stirling is numbered among the top 50 new universities in the world and is designated as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. With athletes and coaches in many disciplines, including swimming, golf, tennis, football and triathlon nurtured in the University’s unique environment, in preparation for Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth competition, the University is recognised internationally for innovative research and teaching in sport and for success in developing sporting talent and improving performance.
Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 13 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
From double acts to multi-sport teams at major events, Scotland’s team sports have given the nation a lot to celebrate over the past year, with some memorable victories. From a strong list of nominations, four superb finalists have been shortlisted for the title of Team of the Year at the 2018 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 13 September.
Team Scotland’s Basketball and Lawn Bowls teams from Gold Coast 2018 line up alongside Celtic Football Club and Scotland Men’s Rugby as the four go head to head for the prestigious award sponsored by PSL Team Sports.
Coming into the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as the only team without a FIBA world ranking, Team Scotland’s Men’s Basketball represented the country with distinction. Wins over England, Cameroon, India and Nigeria set up a semi-final with World Basketball power houses Australia. The team went on to achieve Scotland’s best ever team sport finish at a Commonwealth Games, only narrowly missing out on the bronze medal to New Zealand.
Team Captain, Kieron Achara said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised for the hard work and fight we put into our Commonwealth Games campaign. It’s nice to see that our efforts on the court in Australia resonated with the people back home in Scotland.”
The lawn bowls squad brought home a record number of medals from Gold Coast, with Pairs, Triples and Fours winning two gold, two silver and a bronze, making it their best Games ever. With their fifth and fourth gold medals respectively Alex Marshall and Paul Foster now sit first and third on the list of Scotland’s top Commonwealth Games athletes. As well as achieving on the green, the team also embraced the fact that Gold Coast was the first fully integrated Games, and the para bowlers once again showed their skill across some incredibly exciting matches.
Chief Executive at Bowls Scotland, Alan McMillan, said: “Everyone at Bowls Scotland is delighted that the hard work and achievements of the Team Scotland Lawn Bowls squad have been recognised by their shortlisting for team of the year. They represented themselves, their sport and their country with great honour at Gold Coast 2018.”
Shortlisted for this award in 2017 on the back of their incredible unbeaten run in domestic competition, Celtic concluded their second successive domestic treble in May, adding the Scottish Cup to the Premier League and League Cup titles. It was the first time in history a club has completed a clean sweep of Scottish domestic trophies in consecutive seasons.
In an outstanding season, Scotland Men’s Rugby took victory over Samoa in November, followed by a breath-taking performance against New Zealand at a sold-out Murrayfield. A week later Scotland registered a record win over Australia, scoring eight tries in the process. They went on to produce a superb performance to win their first Calcutta Cup trophy since 2008, scoring three tries as they inflicted only England’s second defeat in 26 games.
Scotland Captain, John Barclay said: “It’s a great honour for the team to be shortlisted for the Team of the Year award alongside the amazing achievements of fellow Scottish athletes in a special year for Scottish sport that has witnessed countless heroics in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, alongside our own exploits in the Autumn Tests and Six Nations.
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to captain Scotland in a year that has seen supporters fill BT Murrayfield for every home game, creating an incredible atmosphere for our Calcutta Cup win over England in February – ending a ten-year wait for the trophy and making for a memorable day for every Scotland player, past and present, and fan alike.”
Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Teamwork is at the heart of all Team Scotland activity, with our ‘One Team’, ethos at the Commonwealth Games and our close relationships with governing bodies, partners and sponsors. The finalists in this category represent the best of team working and their outstanding achievements are testament to this. I congratulate them all on their success and look forward to celebrating with them on what will be a memorable and inspirational night.”
PSL Team Sports, one of the leading teamwear suppliers in the UK, sponsor the Team of the Year Award for a third consecutive year. Over the years the business has invested in a professional design team, state of the art printing and embroidery facilities to offer an exceptional service. With experience in fabrics, products and logistics, they have built their reputation on service, consistent delivery, quality products and value for money, now working with over 200 organisations across the UK.
Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 13 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Recognised for their success in driving participation, development and performance at all levels of Scottish sport, three organisations have been shortlisted for the title of Governing Body of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on Thursday 13 September 2018.
Selected by the judging panel from a strong list of candidates, Cricket Scotland are shortlisted for this award for the second year and take their place alongside first time finalists Scottish Cycling and Scottish Disability Sport. The trio go head to head for the top award sponsored by Eden Mill St Andrews and Fever Tree.
Cricket Scotland have had a stand-out year with a historic win over England representing a significant landmark in Scotland’s global standing and recognition. The men’s national side are now in a strong position to claim a top 10 world ranking by the end of the year after also taking victories over Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. With the women’s side ranked 11th and two team members selected for the Global Development Select team, changes made to the athlete support and management system are paying dividends.
Innovation abounds with the launch of the revolutionary CricHIIT programme aimed at women and girls, 1,500 new youngsters brought into the game through the Allstars programme and Cricket Scotland’s charity, Beyond Boundaries providing sporting opportunities to girls and women, underprivileged children, disabled and ethnic minority groups.
Malcolm Cannon, CEO at Cricket Scotland said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by Team Scotland for one of their prestigious awards. The hard work put in by everyone at Cricket Scotland and the volunteers throughout the sport over the last year has produced great results both on and off the pitch and it is a great boost to be considered alongside Commonwealth Games sports.”
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) leads the way in the inclusion of disabled athletes and players across a wide range of sports. In the last year SDS has actively supported 36 Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport to facilitate inclusion, establishing robust sporting pathways, and have also supported all 32 Scottish local authorities to engage disabled people in sport. SDS has also led almost 100 education opportunities in the past 12 months, with Disability Inclusion Training delivered to a range of participants including eight colleges and universities, while the SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel provides an active voice for young disabled people.
SDS were integral to the selection of 18 para-sport athletes to Team Scotland for Gold Coast 2018, the largest number ever at an away Games, who contributed three medals to Team Scotland’s record overseas medal tally. SDS is also the lead body for the sport of Boccia in Scotland with Scottish players winning six medals at the European Championships.
Gavin McLeod, Chief Executive at Scottish Disability Sport said; “Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. SDS works in partnerships with many Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure the effective inclusion of disabled athletes and players. We thank them all for their commitment and support and wish all those shortlisted every success.”
Scottish Cycling celebrated their most successful major Games in history at Gold Coast 2018, returning with 10 medals, including four of Team Scotland’s nine golds. Highlights included Neil Fachie and Matt Rotherham setting a World Record on route to double gold just two weeks after winning both events at the World Championships, Katie and John Archibald becoming the first brother and sister ever to win medals for Team Scotland on the same night as Katie took gold and John silver in their respective Individual Pursuit finals and an inspirational ride from Mark Stewart to claim gold in the Points Race.
2018 has also seen huge progress in development within the talent pathway, in coach development and reaching new participants. The creation of the R.A.C.E and Go-Ride programmes for youth riders has been hugely successful, 87 new Breeze Champions have been trained who will now support other women on guided bike rides and thousands of riders took part in mass participation Let’s Ride events in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Craig Burn, Chief Executive at Scottish Cycling said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted for Governing Body of the Year. We see this accomplishment as a great testament to the year we’ve had and a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication that our members, volunteers, staff and board have put into improving the Cycling landscape in Scotland. We would like to congratulate our fellow Governing Bodies on the shortlist for their great achievements this year and we look forward to the announcement of the winner!”
Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Governing bodies underpin the whole Scottish sporting system, putting in place pathways for athletes, coaches and officials from their very first contact with the sport through to achieving their aspirations at international level. In what was a very strong list of nominations, our three finalists stood out for their innovation and commitment to the development of their respective sports and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards.”
Joint sponsors of the Governing Body of the Year award are Eden Mill St Andrews and Fever Tree. Eden Mill is Scotland’s first single-site distillery and brewery, making gin, whisky and beer. Eden Mill spirit is created in copper pot-stills and exhibits a wide range of flavours from botanicals sourced from the local area, as well as from around the world. Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water launched in the UK in early 2005, the brand name chosen due to fever tree being the colloquial name for the cinchona tree in which quinine, a key ingredient for tonic, is found. Since then Fever Tree has expanded their range to include 14 products, each taking a similarly intrepid attitude to sourcing quality botanicals.
Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 13 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Four of Scotland’s brightest sporting prospects have been named as finalists for the Sir Peter Heatly Trophy and the title of Young Athlete of the Year at the 2018 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 13 September.
With international success in both athletics and triathlon, Erin Wallace is shortlisted alongside middle distance runner Kane Elliott, diver Lucas Thomson, and windsurfer Islay Watson. The quartet are in the running to take the prestigious award sponsored by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust.
The future looks good for Scottish sport with a huge number of outstanding nominations received by our judges who had the difficult task of narrowing it down to a shortlist of just four. Each of our finalists has stepped up this year to perform in style on the international stage, following in the footsteps of past winners, swimmer Duncan Scott and cyclist Katie Archibald, two of the stars of Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018.
In fact two of this year’s finalists joined Duncan and Katie in Gold Coast, with Erin Wallace selected at 17 as part of the Triathlon Mixed Relay and Lucas Thomson finishing 5th in both Men’s 10m Platform and Men’s 10m Synchro at the age of just 16.
Representing Team Scotland in Gold Coast was just the start for Lucas as he won silver and two bronze at the European Junior Championships, won four medals on the senior FINA Diving Grand Prix Series and took gold at the World Junior Diving Championships in the Team event, to end a phenomenal 12 months.
Since Gold Coast, Erin has split her time between athletics and triathlon with international success in both. In a whirlwind period in the summer she was 5th at the European Junior Triathlon Championships just a week after being a finalist in the 1500m at the World Junior Athletics Championships. All this on the back of a string of strong results, including finishing 2017 as overall bronze medallist in the Junior Triathlon Super Series.
Kane Elliot has had a real breakthrough year, lowering his personal best in the 1500m to set a new Scottish under 17 record and win gold at the European Youth Championships in a new Championship best. He is the first Scottish athlete ever to win gold at this event and did so as an under 17 athlete competing at an under 18 Championships.
Islay Watson won three races en route to winning the World Youth Championship title, taking the gold medal with one race to spare. In a fantastic summer she also claimed European bronze in the Techno class and was gold medallist at the Tiree Wave Classic in the Youth division. She has also today been announced as part of Team GB heading to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in October.
Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The breadth and depth of nominations received for this award, and the wide range of sports represented, shows that the future of Scottish sport is in good hands. We have an incredibly strong line up in our four finalists and it’s fantastic to see young athletes already making the step up to senior level for Team Scotland. I congratulate them on their tremendous achievements over the past year and look forward to following their future successes.”
Sponsor of the Young Athlete of the Year Award is the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust, a registered charity which, since 1989, has supported talented young athletes through scholarships and awards. Past beneficiaries of Youth Trust support have gone on to compete with distinction for Team Scotland at Commonwealth Games and for Team GB at Olympic Games, including Kirsty Gilmour (Badminton), Jennifer McIntosh (Shooting), Robbie Renwick (Swimming) and Eilidh Doyle (Athletics).
Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 13 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.