Team Scotland athletes will complete their final preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games at the University of Stirling before heading to the Athlete’s Village in Glasgow.

The University of Stirling, recognised as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence by the Scottish Government and home of Commonwealth Games Scotland, will again provide the base for final Team Scotland preparations after hosting Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games Preparation Camps since 2006.

After athletes and support staff from all 17 Sports gather on 5 and 6 July for final instructions and distribution of team clothing, the Team Scotland Preparation Camp gets underway from Monday 7 July, with athletes from 11 of the 17 sports on the Glasgow 2014 programme attending.

Earlier this month, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) announced the selection of 310 athletes, making it the largest ever Team Scotland to compete at a Commonwealth Games. Around 125 athletes and 40 support staff will be based on the Stirling campus, from: Hockey, Judo, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Para-Sport Powerlifting and Wrestling.

They will enjoy unique access to the wide range of available sports facilities, including the 50m swimming pool at the National Swimming Academy; the 400m athletics track and a state-of-the-art fitness suite with performance strength and conditioning areas. Athletes will stay on campus and access dedicated leisure areas ahead of the transition into the Glasgow 2014 Athletes’ Village.

Some 19 Stirling students and alumni have been selected for Team Scotland, including nine swimmers and triathlete Natalie Milne, a Sports Coaching student who currently competes in World Series and World Cup competitions.

Milne, who will compete in the Mixed Triathlon Relay, said: “The University provides the perfect location to prepare for the start line at Glasgow 2014. This will be my first Commonwealth Games, but from my experience of competing at World Cup and World Series events I know how important the final preparations are and I’m sure the Stirling campus will prove popular with all the athletes coming here.”

”Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “The University of Stirling is proud to host Team Scotland’s Preparation Camp in July ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Our sports campus has been the venue for Team Scotland’s training camp for the last three Commonwealth Games and for the Commonwealth Youth Games, and we are honoured to open our doors again to Commonwealth Games Scotland, this time with the added excitement of the Queen’s Baton coming to the University. As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we understand the importance of creating the right environment for our athletes ahead of what will be for many competing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a Home Games.”

Jon Doig, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive and Team Chef de Mission, said: “The Pre-Games Preparation Camp is a vital date in our diary, bringing all selected athletes together and helping them to prepare for the major games environment. We are delighted to hold it once again at the University of Stirling, which has everything we need to make Team Scotland feel at home.”

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It has been proudly carried through the length and breadth of the Commonwealth sharing the warmth and friendship of Glasgow and Scotland with some of the world’s most diverse communities. Early this morning (Saturday, June 14) in a touching ceremony in the Border town of Coldstream, the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton is to return to Scotland, marking the final straight of a 100,000-mile epic journey and the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

After 248 days visiting 69 nations and territories, the baton is set to be passed across the border by legendary triple Commonwealth gold medallist Daley Thompson to Team Scotland star Eilidh Child. Arriving with local Ghillie Brendan Lough along the River Tweed in a traditional fishing boat rowed by adventurer and broadcaster Mark Beaumont, the Queen’s Baton will be welcomed home with a guard of honour of local children, holding flags of the Commonwealth, along the historic Coldstream Bridge.

The handover moment is to be marked simply by BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Robyn Stapleton performing ‘Here’s to our Common Wealth’, a specially-commissioned song for the Queen’s Baton Relay as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. The Coldstream Pipe Band will also participate in the celebrations.

Daley and Eilidh are past and present stars of Commonwealth sport. Team Scotland Track and field star Eilidh gained silver at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and will be going for Gold in front of a home crowd in Hampden is just a few weeks’ time. Team England decathlete Daley Thompson is a triple Commonwealth Gold medallist, clinching his final Gold the last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Scotland, in Edinburgh in 1986. He’s half-Scottish, the son of a Scottish mother and Nigerian father.

Special guests due to take part in the historic occasion include Glasgow 2014 Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin KT, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh, Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights, Helen Grant MP, UK Minister for Sport, Cllr Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council as well as hundreds of local residents who are expected to line the streets to see the Baton paraded to Henderson Park.

For the next 40 days, the Baton will visit more than 400 Scottish communities and be carried by more than 4,000 batonbearers being recognised for their inspiration, hard work and impact on the lives of others. The baton’s final destination will be the Opening Ceremony where Her Majesty the Queen will read the special message contained inside the baton.

This morning’s batonbearers will include Team Scotland wheelchair racing talent Sammi Kinghorn (17) and David Laing (70), from Kelso, a champion volunteer for tennis in the Scottish Borders with more than five decades of contribution to sport under his belt.

Other batonbearers in Coldstream today will include 91 year-old ice-skating teacher Bill Watt, who has been coaching children since 1964, and continues to inspire youngsters locally.

Entertainment for spectators along the route and at Henderson Park will include junk-percussion sensation Trash Arts, local troupe Coldstream Community Theatre Group, the Burns Society, the poetry crowd-pleaser force Q-poetics, brand new act Commonwealth Youth Circus, Hands Up For Trad as part of Big Big Sing, traditional music from Scottish Borders’ young talent Small Hall Band, and Coldstream cover band Guilty Pleasures. This is an opportunity for everyone to join in the relay on a great morning out. Broadcasters Jenni Falconer and Fred Macaulay will be hosting the morning’s programme of events on stage.

Following this morning’s celebrations in Coldstream, the baton will travel to Edinburgh for a packed programme of engagement and visits to iconic locations including Edinburgh Castle and 1986 Commonwealth Games venues, the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Meadowbank Stadium.

The route of the Queen’s Baton Relay has been developed to share the excitement of Scotland’s countdown to the Commonwealth Games with as many people as possible.

For the first time in the history of any relay, all 545 secondary schools in Scotland were invited to nominate a pupil to participate as a batonbearer.

Community batonbearers have been selected by independent panels, who have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport, and those who make a difference through volunteering and community support.

The relay will reflect the important role of sport by visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres, encouraging communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and use its profile to get more people participating in sport.

The events in Colstream were made possible thanks to the extensive support and collaboration of local community groups and Scottish Borders Council.

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman for Commonwealth Games Scotland said:

“The first day of the Queen’s Baton Relay signifies the final countdown to the Games, and when it is handed from England to Scotland we will begin our final journey to Glasgow. The relay is an opportunity for people across the country to get out and show their support for the Games and for Team Scotland, and we are very proud to be a part of it. Athletes, past and present will carry the baton in all 32 local authorities and we will look to harness the passion and excitement from this weekend, right through until the end of the Games.”

With the return of one of the biggest multi-sport events to UK soil this summer, BBC Sport will bring audiences all the action live from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games (23 July – 3 August), across TV, radio, online and mobile.

Including more than 300 hours of network TV coverage, 200 hours of radio coverage and more than 1300 hours of live action via up to 17 digital streams, this will be the most comprehensive BBC coverage of a Commonwealth Games and integrated Para-sports programme to date.

The BBC today announce that Glasgow will be the host city for the prestigious 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, 14 December at The SSE Hydro. Complementing the BBC Sport Commonwealth programming BBC Scotland will embrace the Games with a series of cultural festivities including 16 days of major events from a pop-up ‘BBC at the Quay’ and a raft of Commonwealth programming for network transmission beginning with BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend live from Glasgow Green (23-25 May) with headline acts Katy Perry and Coldplay.

Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Hazel Irvine lead the BBC TV coverage along with a top list of commentators that includes Olympic gold medalists Rebecca Adlington, Michael Johnson and Sir Chris Hoy.

Capturing every moment BBC One and BBC One HD and BBC Three and BBC Three HD will deliver more than 300 hours of network TV coverage. The Opening Ceremony will be live from Celtic Park on Wednesday 23 July on BBC One and BBC One HD with commentary from Huw Edwards and Hazel Irvine.

From 06:00, Bill Turnbull, Louise Minchin and the rest of the BBC Breakfast team will present daily from the BBC studio on the banks of the River Clyde. The BBC’s daily sports programming starts at 09:00 and continues throughout the day with Mishal Husain, Jason Mohammad and Hazel Irvine presenting from Glasgow with Clare Balding and Gabby Logan among those reporting live from the various sporting locations in the city. Gary Lineker then brings prime time action from 19:00-22:30 before Mark Chapman and Clare Balding look back at the main news of the day in the ‘Today at the Games’ programme from 22:40-23:40.

BBC Three and BBC Three HD will bring audiences extended hours and a dedicated sporting schedule as Dougie Vipond, Lee McKenzie and Manish Bhasin guide viewers through the action with additional daytime programming from 09:00-19:00. Dan Walker then fronts the evening coverage from 19:00-22:00 offering reaction and analysis to the day’s events.

Radio 5 live will deliver over 200 hours of Games action and breaking news to listeners during Glasgow 2014. Nicky Campbell will present the breakfast show live from Pacific Quay every morning from 06:00 and then from 10:00 onwards Victoria Derbyshire, Jonathan Overend, Eleanor Oldroyd, Fred MacAuley, Peter Allen and Mark Chapman will lead the station’s new and bespoke schedule throughout the day. Mark Pougatch takes over from 19:00 with Colin Paterson rounding up the day from 23:00-01:00.

Glasgow 2014 will be BBC Sport’s biggest ever digital Commonwealth Games with up to 17 live video streams available across any device – up from six streams at Delhi 2010. All the action from every event, sport and venue will be available live and on-demand across PCs, tablets, mobiles and connected TVs, with even greater choice and interactivity than ever before:

The Commonwealth Games live page, available from bbc.co.uk/glasgow2014, will combine the BBC’s full range of live video and radio streams, rolling highlights, text commentary, live votes and a live medal table.

It’s also the place to join the conversation, with all the best comments and opinions from across social media, email and SMS, alongside those from BBC Sport’s expert reporters and pundits.

For the very first time, audiences can use the BBC Sport mobile and tablet apps to receive medal alerts for all the countries they want to follow, including all the Home Nations.

BBC Sport’s Commonwealth Games website will have all the latest news, in-depth features and analysis from Glasgow. Audiences can also plan their viewing with an indispensable ‘Today at the Games’ daily guide to the best of the action, as well as a full click-able event schedule, interactive medal table, and results.

To complement BBC One and BBC Three coverage, viewers will have the choice of up to seven extra streams on BBC Red Button.* Those with BBC Connected Red Button will have access to the full range of up to 17 streams.

BBC Nations and Regions news and sports teams will be following the Home Nations’ successes closely, reporting on the stories and athletes from their hometowns. In addition the BBC News Channel will also have regular bulletins live from Glasgow for the duration of the Games and ‘Commonwealth Games Sportsday’ presented by either Katherine Downes or Karthi Gnanasegaram will sum up all the days action from 23:40 until midnight on BBC One and BBC One HD and the BBC News Channel.

Barbara Slater, Director, BBC Sport, says: “The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events of this year. The BBC coverage reflects our commitment to delivering great sporting events with the determination to continue the standards of broadcasting previously seen at Olympic Games. The unique friendly rivalries between the Home Nations and Commonwealth countries will be highlighted in 11 days of sporting competition concluding an exciting and busy summer of BBC sport that also includes Wimbledon, The Open, and the football World Cup.”

Link to the BBC Article

RSNO version of Flower of Scotland to accompany Scottish Commonwealth Games successes

Commonwealth Games Scotland ­ – who select, prepare and manage Scotland’s team for the Commonwealth Games – has commissioned Scotland’s national orchestra to provide recorded instrumental versions of the nation’s unofficial anthem Flower of Scotland, to be played at the Glasgow 2014 medals ceremonies in the event of Scottish success.

With the blessing and support of former Corries member Ronnie Browne, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Head of Brass and former RSNO musician John Logan spent two weeks arranging Flower of Scotland for large symphony orchestra. With John conducting the recording sessions, held at the RSNO’s current home the Henry Wood Hall in Glasgow’s West End earlier this year, the Orchestra recorded two versions of different length, both featuring pipers from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

Flower of Scotland was composed by The Corries’ Roy Williamson in 1965 and became one of their most popular songs, both recorded and live. It was subsequently used as the national anthem by the Scotland national rugby team, with the Scottish Football Association following suit, adopting it as its pre-game anthem in the 1990s. Following a vote by the athletes, it replaced Scotland the Brave as Team Scotland’s victory anthem for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where Scotland won nine gold medals, ten silver medals, and seven bronze, and will be used again for this year’s Games in Glasgow.

Ronnie Browne from The Corries: “It’s been a great pleasure working with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra on this project and I’m delighted with John Logan’s arrangements. Perhaps now it’s right to consider, with the RSNO recording Flower of Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, final recognition of its standing as Scotland’s national anthem. It means a great deal to me and I know it would have meant a great deal to my colleague Roy.”

Conductor and composer, John Logan: “It is a very special honour to be involved. In Ronnie we have a national legend, and his endorsement and encouragement has been wonderful. I will be watching the Commonwealth Games with anticipation and it will be with heightened pride when Scotland wins a gold medal, knowing that we contributed to the specialness of the occasion.”

Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Michael Cavanagh: “We are absolutely delighted with the new arrangement and recording of Flower of Scotland by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The playing of our chosen national anthem to mark both individual and team success is such a proud moment and I know that the athletes who find themselves in this position next month will be deeply moved by this version, recorded specially for the team.

“I would like to thank Ronnie Browne for giving us his blessing to use this nationally acclaimed song as our anthem, and the RSNO for transforming it into a version befitting gold medal success.”

To accompany the announcement the RSNO and Cairn Production have produced a concise documentary charting the history of the success of Flower of Scotland, from its conception to general acceptance as Scotland’s national anthem. To view the video visit www.rsno.org.uk.

In 2006 the RSNO ran an online poll asking what the people of Scotland would prefer as their official national anthem. Flower of Scotland was the clear winner, with over 40% of the votes cast.

Later this month the RSNO will also release a new recording with Scottish singer/songwriter Dougie MacLean. On the Linn label, Till Tomorrow features some of Dougie’s most cherished songs, most of which have been orchestrated by John Logan, including another of Scotland’s alternative anthems, Caledonia.

Further Commonwealth Games cultural events featuring the RSNO include today’s 2014 Commonwealth Games Gala Concert with pianist Stephen Hough and Edinburgh Royal Choral Union at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, to celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay to Scotland; an outdoor art event featuring a soundtrack including the RSNO, by Turner Prize nominee Phil Collins entitled Tomorrow Is Always Too Long, at Glasgow’s Queens Park on Saturday 19 July; Classics Marathon Day on Saturday 26 July at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with a RSNO and BBC SSO combined orchestra featuring soloist Nicola Benedetti; and two performances at Glasgow Green on Tuesday 29 July, details of which will be announced shortly.

The XX Commonwealth Games starts on Wednesday 23 July 2014 and runs until Sunday 3 August. For more information visit www.Glasgow2014.com and to follow the progress of Team Scotland visit www.goscotland.org.

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Commonwealth Games Scotland today announced its team of seven Table Tennis players selected to represent Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014. The team is a good blend of experienced players and youth with three of the men having competed in previous Commonwealth Games, whilst for the other four this will be their first experience of a multi-sport event.

Perth-born Gavin Rumgay is Scotland’s leading player and the team’s most experienced member, having competed in the Manchester 2002 and Delhi 2010 Games. Niall Cameron and Craig Howieson are both back for their second Games after competing in Manchester and Delhi respectively. Sean Doherty, Gillian Edwards, Lynda Flaws and Corinna Whitaker will be making their Games debut in Glasgow.

Table Tennis is a relative newcomer to the Games. It was introduced in Manchester 2002 and has been in the Games ever since. Table Tennis has its own Commonwealth Championships and its most recent event, held in Delhi last year, acted as a selection event for Glasgow hopefuls whilst providing a gauge of how the Scotland team stacked up against the rest of the Commonwealth.

The Team Scotland selection bar had been set at a top eight finish at the Commonwealth Championships. Scotland’s men finished with the Bronze medal, whilst the women came seventh. It was a reminder that on its day Scotland is more than capable of upsetting bigger nations. This April Scotland performed well in the Tokyo World Championships, finishing seventh out of all the Commonwealth countries.

“It is small margins that separate many of the top teams and last year’s Commonwealth Championships was a case of everything falling into place,” said Team Manager Euan Walker, who competed in the 2002 Manchester Games and produced the team’s best individual result, reaching the last 16 of the men’s singles. The Scotland team came ninth and finished in the same position in Delhi.

“And it was a case in point that we are in that clutch of teams that, if everything goes well and we play well, then we have a chance of winning some big matches and causing upsets. In that respect we go in to Glasgow confident whilst being realistic that we are not favourites. The Glasgow dimension adds another twist to it and I’ve certainly sensed a stepping up of the intensity of the preparations.”

Since Delhi 2010, Scotland’s elite squad has been working very closely with the sportscotland institute of sport. The sport has taken on Hungarian Marton Marsi as a full time head coach and created a base for its elite squad at the University of Edinburgh. Bringing together the Scottish based players on a regular basis has enabled the squad to train harder than ever before.

Walker added: “As a result I have noticed a big difference over the last couple of years in how the intensity levels and professionalism have improved amongst our players. There’s no magic formula about success in events. It’s about getting the right preparation, the right training, the right coaching and providing an environment for all the players to progress together.

“We have all that now and this gives us a blueprint for how we need to keep progressing and moving t
he sport forward. A successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will help us in our journey where our goal is to be regularly competing for medals on the Commonwealth stage.”

The Table Tennis competition takes place from 24 July to 2 August at Scotstoun Sports Campus, where up to 10 competition tables, including two main show courts, will see athletes contest Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles as well as dedicated Team events.

Making the announcement Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said: “I would like to welcome the Table Tennis players onto Team Scotland. It is fantastic to see a great mix of past Games competitors and emerging talent selected today. The players have highlighted their credentials at recent Commonwealth Championships and I wish them every success as they take to the tables at Scotstoun in front of a passionate home support.”

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “Congratulations to all the Table Tennis players who have joined Team Scotland today. The atmosphere at the Scotstoun Sports Campus will be incredible as our Team Scotland athletes take on top table tennis players from across the Commonwealth. The athletes, their coaches and support teams should be very proud. They will be part of the greatest Commonwealth Games ever and will have Scotland cheering them on and willing them to succeed.”

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “I am delighted to see such a blend of youth and experience in the table tennis players selected for Team Scotland. Table tennis is a relatively new sport for the Games so those selected are among a relatively small band of players who will be able to say they’ve represented their country in the sport at the Games and they deserve congratulations for that.

“One of the main reasons we are able to prepare world-class athletes is because of the high performance support services provided by sportscotland. World-class experts, working with world-class athletes, give the country every reason to be excited about our prospects at what promises to be the best ever Games.”

SELECTED TABLE TENNIS ATHLETES

NAME EVENT

Niall Cameron Team Event

Sean Doherty Team Event

Craig Howieson Team Event, Men’s Doubles

Gavin Rumgay Team Event, Men’s Doubles

Gillian Edwards Team Event

Lynda Flaws Team Event

Corinna Whitaker Team Event

Photo credit: Alistair Devine

A triple test of swimming, cycling and running awaits four further triathletes following their selection to represent Team Scotland. Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) in conjunction with triathlonscotland today confirmed the names of the final fourtriathletes to compete at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Triathlon was introduced to the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and following an absence at the Delhi 2010 Games, returns with both individual and relay events held at the scenic setting of Strathclyde Country Park.

The Individual Triathlons on Thursday 24 July are the first medal events of the Commonwealth Games. A test of skill and endurance, the event starts with a 1500m open water swim – the equivalent of 60 lengths of a public pool – before a 40km cycle then a 10km run to finish.

Then on Saturday 26 July, making its Commonwealth debut is the Mixed Team Triathlon Relay, a fast-paced tag-team event which sees two men and two women from each country swim 250m, cycle 6.6km and run 1.6km.

Two flat-mates, training team-mates and World Junior Triathlon medallists Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon complete the Team Scotland male triathletes. The inseparable duo, who are also both in their second year studying Mathematics at the University of Stirling, have risen through the Junior ranks together and fittingly both earn their Commonwealth call-up.

Marc was one quarter of the GB Team which won the European Junior Mixed Relay in both 2011 and 2013. Also in 2013, he collected a brace of Bronze medals, firstly at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival then at the European Junior Championships. Marc signed off his junior career with the 2013 World Triathlon Grand Final Silver medal before stepping up to the senior level in time to impress selectors.

Grant will compete on a Strathclyde Park course just a stone’s throw from his family home in Hamilton. Injury curtailed the 19-year-old’s junior career, but he still qualified for three successive European Junior Championships and finished just behind Marc to earn World Junior Bronze. He took Bronze too at the Alicante World Cup in his first senior outing and in 2014 has recorded two top 13 finishes in the World Triathlon Series.

Three-time Scottish Sprint Triathlon Champion Natalie Milne is one of two women who will showcase their talent in the Mixed Triathlon Relay. Natalie trains alongside Marc and Grant at the National Performance Centre in Stirling and is in her second season competing in World Cup and World Series events.

2012 British Triathlon Super Series Champion Seonaid Thompson completes the Team Scotland triathletes. Training full-time at the British Triathlon Satellite Centre in Leeds, Seonaid is a former 800m Celtic Indoor International Champion, converting to triathlon through the sportscotland institute of sport initiative Gold for Glasgow.

This quartet join 2011 World U23 Silver medallist David McNamee, whose selection was confirmed back in October following three top ten finishes in the 2013 World Triathlon Series, securing a second consecutive top 16 placing in the Series Rankings.

National Performance Development Coach Chris Volley said: “I am really grateful for the efforts from all the athletes and support staff who have been part of the selection process. This has enabled us to select a team which can perform with distinction at the Commonwealth Games and make Scotland proud.

“It is a phenomenal effort by Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon to have made the grade of a senior major games at such a young age. They will complement the experienced head of David McNamee who has established himself as one of the world’s best triathletes. Our two women’s representatives Natalie Milne and Seonaid Thompson will ensure Team Scotland is highly competitive in the Mixed Relay event.”

Making the announcement, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said: “Triathlon will provide an action-packed start on day one of the Commonwealth Games and the inclusion of a Mixed Triathlon Relay for the first time ever two days later provides an exciting new team event. I congratulate all the Team Scotland triathletes on their selection today. They have performed excellently on the international stage to make it onto the Team and will be excited at the opportunity to compete in front of a vocal home support at Strathclyde Park.”

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “Strathclyde Country Park is ready and Triathlon events at the Commonwealth Games will be incredible. The athletes should be very proud of their achievements. Scots across the country will be behind them all the way urging them to do their best over each stage. Competing in front of a home crowd in such a prestigious event will be a highlight of their careers, and one they can share with their coaches and support staff as well as their families.”

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “I am delighted to see a further four athletes selected to represent Team Scotland in the Triathlon at Glasgow. The Triathlon is arguably the most gruelling of all the events at the Games and I commend all of the athletes on their selection.

“One of the main reasons we are able to prepare world-class athletes across a range of individual and team sports is because of the high performance support services provided by sportscotland. With world-class experts working with world-class athletes, we have every reason to be excited about Team Scotland’s prospects at what promises to be the best ever Games.”

The triathletes are part of the largest ever Team Scotland, with the final team announcement today taking the total size to a record 310 athletes all meeting the selection standards.

SELECTED ATHLETES

TRIATHLON:

NAME

Marc Austin

David McNamee

Grant Sheldon

Natalie Milne

Seonaid Thompson

The Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams for Glasgow 2014 were announced today with exactly six weeks to go until their competitions begin.

Over 11 days of action, 20 teams will compete for two Gold medals and Scotland will be looking to use home support at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green, to build on their previous Games outings and be competitive against some of the top hockey nations in the world.

The men’s side will be led by Head Coach Derek Forsyth, who has held the post since the beginning of 2012, and was Assistant Coach in Delhi, 2010. On his team’s selection he said: “The squad we’ve selected for the Commonwealth Games includes a number of talented and experienced players who we think will give us the best chance of hitting the targets we’ve set ourselves for the hockey competition. The players are looking forward to the challenge of playing the likes of Australia, South Africa and India in front of a home crowd and delivering good performances as a team.”

The 16-man squad contains six players each with over 100 caps for their country including Chris Nelson, William Marshall, Gareth Hall and Iain Scholefield.

Two sets of brothers will compete in Glasgow – Niall and Ross Stott, alongside Alan and David Forsyth.

Alan Forsyth and Kenny Bain are seen as the real goal threat for Scotland. GB player Chris Grassick will captain the side and makes his Common
wealth Games debut, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the midfield alongside fellow GB player, and double-Olympian Niall Stott who has now amassed 150 caps for Scotland.

Scotland finished 9th in Delhi and will be looking to improve their position after credible showings recently against England, Argentina and Belgium at the Men’s 4 Nations in Glasgow and a series win over Wales.

For the women’s team, there are also a number of familiar and experienced faces in the line-up that were part of the team that finished 7th in Delhi four years ago and a side that is largely unchanged from that which competed in the FIH Champions Challenge in Glasgow just over a month ago, where they finished in 7th position.

Coached by Gordon Shepherd, the team is preparing for some tough opposition in Australia, England, Malaysia and local rivals Wales. Shepherd said: “Before the team selection, all of the players demonstrated desire and commitment to producing high quality output during the full-time programme, making it extremely competitive for places in all positions when it came down to selecting the group for the Commonwealth Games. I have now selected a group of players that I believe gives Team Scotland the best chance of reaching the target we’ve set for the hockey competition and it is a squad that has valuable experience of competing at the highest level of international hockey.

“I fully believe this squad can build on its recent successes, including retaining its place in the European Championships last summer, to deliver good performances in front of thousands of Scotland supporters in Glasgow.”

Linda Clement will captain the team as she steps out for her fourth Commonwealth Games and has led the team in over 100 international matches. Key players in the midfield will be Great Britain internationals Vikki Bunce, Morag McLellan, Emily Maguire and Nikki Kidd. Kidd’s is particularly key with her role in the short-corner set-pieces and was ranked third in the English Premier League scoring charts this season and listed in the league’s Team of the Season.

At the back, Amy Gibson will provide a solid presence in goal supported by her defence that includes Catriona Ralph, Susan McGilveray and Leigh Fawcett.

In the final weeks of preparation, Scotland’s women will play a test series against Ireland and Spain on home soil this month before the men and women both travel to England to compete in the Investec Cup in early July.

Chef de Mission, Jon Doig congratulated the 32 Team Scotland athletes today saying:“Hockey is always a popular sport at the Games and I am delighted to announce two very strong sides to represent Scotland in the men’s and women’s competitions. The new facility at Glasgow Green provides a wonderful venue for our athletes to compete and for the home crowd to get behind them. The experience both sides have gained since their appearances in Delhi four years ago bodes well for top class performances when competition begins in just a few weeks time.”

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “Congratulations to the athletes who have been selected for the Team Scotland hockey squads. Stepping out in front of a passionate Scottish crowd at the National Hockey Centre, a fantastic Games legacy for the next hockey generation, cheering you on at a home Games will an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the support and expertise of the coaching staff these players are ready to compete in what will be the greatest Games ever.”

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Hockey is one of the most competitive sports at the Commonwealth Games and I delighted that such a talented group of athletes will represent Team Scotland at the Games. Each player selected for both the men’s and women’s teams has truly earned their place and deserve congratulations.

“One of the main reasons we are able to prepare world-class athletes across a range of individual and team sports is because of the high performance support services provided by sportscotland. In the case of women’s hockey, the team has been able to train full-time thanks to sportscotland funding through its athlete personal awards scheme (SAPAs).

“With world-class experts working with world-class athletes, we have every reason to be excited about Team Scotland’s prospects at what promises to be the best ever Games.”

SELECTED HOCKEY ATHLETES

MEN:

NAME POSITION

Kenny Bain Forward

Michael Bremner Defender

James Chachia Goalkeeper

Daniel Coultas Defender

Alan Forsyth Forward

David Forsyth Defender

Chris Grassick Midfield (Captian)

Gareth Hall Forward

William Marshall Defender

Gordon McIntrye Midfield

Ian Moodie Forward

Christopher Nelson Midfield/ Forward

Nicholas Parkes Midfield

Iain Scholefield Defender

Niall Stott Midfield

Ross Stott Midfield

RESERVES

Gary Cameron Defender/ Midfield

Gavin Somerville Goalkeeper

WOMEN:

Ali Bell Forward

Vikki Bunce Midfield/Forward

Linda Clement Forward

Aileen Davis Defender

Leigh Fawcett Defender

Amy Gibson Goalkeeper

Nikki Kidd Midfield

Nikki Lloyd Forward

Emily Maguire Midfield

Susan McGilveray Defender

Morag McLellan Midfield

Catriona Ralph Defender

Sarah Robertson Forward

Nicki Skrastin Midfield

Rebecca Ward Defender

Ailsa Wyllie Forward

RESERVES:

Nicki Cochrane Goalkeeper

Holly Cram Forward

Alison Howie Defender

Rebecca Merchant Midfield

Photo credit: Alistair Devine

The team of twelve Netball players selected to represent Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014 was announced today and the Netball team will now prepare to make its first ever appearance in the Commonwealth Games.

Currently ranked 12th in the World, Scottish Netball has seen a huge rise in its success and popularity in recent years improving from 16th back in 2011 and the U21 team enjoyed a 12th place finish and a rousing response from home fans at the World Youth Netball Championships, which were hosted in the Emirates Arena last year.

Leading the charge for the Scottish Thistles will be 34 year-old captain Lesley MacDonald who is no stranger to top-level competition, having earned a staggering 118 caps for her country and competing in three World Championships to date.

The role of vice-captain goes to Hayley Mulheron who has represented Scotland at all age levels and been part of the team, alongside MacDonald, that have recorded victories over higher-ranked nations Wales, Trinidad & Tobago and Northern Ireland in recent months.

Other key players in the team with a combined wealth of experience include shooter Lynsey Gallagher who captained the U21 side at the World Youth Championships; Claire Brownie who gives strength and power in the midcourt; and Rachel Forbes who is one of the team’s top defenders.

National Coach Gail Parata said: “I am excited to finally see the selection of the Scottish Thistles confirmed to compete at our first ever Commonwealth Games. For many of the athletes this journey started five years ago and they will be pleased to see their hard work has resulted in being selected for Team Scotland.

“From my perspective as the national coach it was very hard to choose the final 12 based on the improvement I have seen over the last year in the athletes that trialed for a place on the team. However I believe this is a strong squad that provides us with many options all over the court and also solid back up in each position.

“Team confidence is high with recent wins over teams ranked in the top 10 in the world and we hope to compete with distinction and aim for a top eight finish at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

The team’s latest success was as recent as the last weekend of May in Cardiff when they qualified for the 2015 World Cup by finishing in the top two nations of the European Qualifiers.

The Commonwealth countries are renowned for being the strongest netballing nations in the world with netball powerhouses Australia and New Zealand battling for Gold in each of the past four competitions. Other top contenders for medals this year are expected to be England, Jamaica, Malawi and South Africa who are ranked 3-6th in the World respectively.

Scotland has a tough draw that will require them to adjust to a range of styles of play as they face teams from across the continents.

They will be looking to start with a victory on the 25th against St Lucia (15th) before taking on the world’s best and reigning Commonwealth Gold medallists New Zealand (1st) the following day. Next up is the Caribbean challenge of Jamaica (4th) on the 27th July, the top African nations of Malawi (5th) on the 29th and they wrap up the pool stages with a local battle against the much-improved Northern Ireland (11th), which is set to have a huge influence on the classification matches.

Making the announcement Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said: “Congratulations to the 12 athletes who have been selected for the netball squad that will make history as the first ever Scottish team to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Netball is always a marquee event of the Games and I am sure the team will relish the opportunity to play on a world-class stage in front of a home crowd. We know they are capable of beating higher ranked teams and everyone will be behind their efforts to do the same in Glasgow.”

The 11-day competition begins on July 24th and will climax on the final day of the Games and is the last medal to be awarded at Glasgow 2014. Starting its campaign in the SECC Precinct, the finals will be held in the Scottish Hydro Arena to accommodate the huge support from Scotland and beyond.

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “Netball at the Commonwealth Games is shaping up to be a fantastic competition and will be a wonderful opportunity to inspire new people into the sport. I recently met the President of the International Netball Federation, during a visit to Glasgow, and she was very impressed with how things are developing. Team Scotland will be competing in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the SECC. It will be an incredible experience for all the athletes and their coaches as they take on top teams from across the world. The players and coaches will be on a high after qualifying for the world cup and ready to give their all for Team Scotland. We will be supporting them every step of way.”

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “I am delighted to see confirmation of the 12 netball players who will be part of Team Scotland at Glasgow. Each of them deserves individual congratulations but their team – the Scottish Thistles – deserves much praise, with their selection for the Games coming hot on the heels of their qualification for next year’s Netball World Cup.

“One of the main reasons we are able to prepare world-class athletes across a range of individual and team sports is because of the high performance support services provided by sportscotland. With world-class experts working with world-class athletes, we have every reason to be excited about Team Scotland’s prospects at what promise to be the best ever Games.”

SELECTED NETBALL ATHLETES

NAME POSITION

Clair Brownie Wing Defence/ Centre

Karin Connell Wing Attack/ Centre

Rachel Forbes Goal Defence/ Wing Defence

Lynsey Gallagher Goal Attack/ Goal Shooter

Lesley MacDonald Goal Shooter/ Goal attack – Captain

June McNeill Goal Keeper/ Goal Shooter

Fiona Moore-McGrath Wing Defence/ Centre

Hayley Mulheron Goal Keeper/ Goal Defence – Vice Captain

Samantha Murphy Centre/ Wing Attack/ Wing Defence

Jo Pettitt Goal Shooter/ Goal Attack

Gemma Sole Goal Shooter/ Goal Keeper

Fiona Themann Goal Keeper/ Goal Defence