Glasgow 2014 today (Tuesday 11 February) revealed the routes for the Games Cycling road events that will see elite athletes from across the Commonwealth race through the heart of the city and beyond.
The excitement of the Games will reach audiences in towns and villages around Glasgow as riders battle against the clock during the Time Trial event on Thursday 31 July, while Glasgow itself becomes the race track on Sunday 3 August with the fastest riders chasing each other through the city’s streets for the action packed Road Race.
The Time Trial will see top Commonwealth cyclists take on a challenging route (40km for men, 30km for women) that will start and finish at Glasgow Green with a single loop course taking in the great countryside of East Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire as well as the city’s East End.
The Road Race course, also starting in Glasgow Green, features a 14km circuit taking riders along Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and St Vincent Street before carrying on to the west end of the city where they will pass through Kelvingrove Park and circuit the west end before heading back towards the city centre and the finish.
For the men’s race, competitors will complete 168km and lap the course 12 times. Female riders will complete 7 laps and 98km.
The announcement follows the reveal of the Glasgow 2014 Marathon route, which also takes in a number of Glasgow’s key city centre landmarks.
Spectators won’t require a ticket to be a part of the Games along both the Cycling or the Marathon routes as all three events are free to view, giving everyone a chance to experience the thrill of live sport first hand.
The courses have been developed in collaboration with a range of sport, city and tourism stakeholders to ensure that the sport technical requirements are achieved while balancing this unique opportunity to showcase the city and its surroundings to the world.
It has also received endorsement from the UCI and will receive final certification closer to Games time.
Glasgow 2014 is working with partners including Glasgow City Council and Transport Scotland to minimise any disruption on the day of the event, which will see temporary changes put in place for traffic.
Travel conditions are expected to be different to normal across the city and spectators are advised to plan their travel in advance. Further information will be made available via www.getreadyglasgow.com.
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:
“Cycling is among the fastest and most thrilling events at Glasgow 2014 with the Road Race and Time Trial offering fans the chance to experience the excitement of the sport up close.
“Road Race riders will take in some of the best sites in Glasgow, as well as some challenging climbs, while those undertaking the Time Trial will hit the open roads and head out of the city in a challenging race to the finish. “These competitions, along with the Marathon, are free events to watch without tickets and we would encourage everyone to cheer the athletes on and enjoy what will undoubtedly be a unique Commonwealth Games experience.”
Jon Doig, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive and Team Chef de Mission, said:
“Scottish cyclists are putting in the hard miles right now as they work towards setting the standards to be a part of Team Scotland. Learning the Road Race and Time Trial routes will give them renewed impetus to be on the start line at Glasgow 2014, where they can expect to be roared on by vocal home support.”
AlasdairMacLennan, President of Scottish Cycling, said:
“Following on from the record breaking success of the 2013 British Cycling National Championships, which were held on the same course, I am sure the Road Race will be a fantastic spectacle showcasing the best of Glasgow to the world whilst offering a true test to the riders, many of whom will be travelling directly from the Tour de France to compete.
“The Time Trial route has been designed to present the athletes with a truly sporting and testing course. This course will offer riders and spectators a variety of road types, surfaces and landscapes whilst also bringing a free Glasgow 2014 experience to the public in the neighbouring local authorities.
“Scottish Cycling believes by having world class events take place in Scotland it will aid the development of cycling in this country, by providing inspiration to our current riders and encourage spectators all over Scotland to try their hand at this fantastic sport.”
“To be a heavyweight, you have to be over 78kg and when I was younger, I was bigger than I am now,” said judoka Sarah Adlington.
“I was a big kid and therefore being different, it was challenging at times. But I was never a girly girl, I was always a tomboy. It’s harder to be different when you’re younger, but when you’re older, you just get on with it.”
Currently ranked 17th in the world, the happy-go-lucky heavyweight from Shrewsbury has been on the mat since the tender age of five, having been itching to give it a go after watching her older brother train. She said: “I couldn’t wait to get on the mat. Since starting, there has never been a moment when I have not done Judo.”
Moving to Edinburgh at 17 to be part of the Judo Scotland setup in Ratho, Sarah is a cheery and upbeat character who, when pulling on the Judogi (Judo suit), changes her whole persona.
Being a sport which involves throwing the opponent to the ground, judo may be mistaken as an aggressive sport, but not for Sarah: “I’m not a naturally aggressive person, well I do have my moments. I like Judo because it’s different, it is a tactical battle and your tactics have to adapt to the opponent you’re toe-to-toe with. Judo, for me, is more centred on a competitive drive to outmanoeuvre your opponent.”
Despite no blows being allowed on the mat, only grapple manoeuvres, Sarah suffered a big blow back in 2012 when she failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“Not competing in London was really hard,” said Sarah. “I still find it hard to talk about it. London was always the aim, that is what everyone spoke about ever since London won the bid. But somebody else qualified just above me. I was 16 in the world, so really high, but she was in the top 10. So I could see it coming but when I went out first fight in the Europeans and she won the bronze; that was the nail in the coffin. From that day, I knew.”
Sarah couldn’t even bring herself to watch the London Olympics on TV and it is this painful memory which keeps her focused on the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
She said: “Being part of Team Scotland and my opportunity to fight in a home games which I missed out on in London, with home fans and home support would be incredible. I’ve never been in a Games environment like that, so to experience it would be amazing.”
Sarah was two places off the podium in the Paris Grand Prix last weekend, defeating the current World and Olympic champion Idalys Ortiz from Cuba in the quarter-finals. She will now head for the European Open in Rome next weekend, followed by the Dusseldorf Grand Prix the week after.
You can follow Sarah on Twitter @BigYin78
Photo Credit: Judo Scotland
The Glasgow 2014 Marathon will start and finish in Glasgow Green covering a route that will take in iconic Glasgow landmarks and give spectators a superb chance of seeing the race.
The Organsing Committee today (Friday 7 February) revealed the full route which will see elite runners from around the Commonwealth compete against each other against a stunning backdrop that includes the Merchant City, George Square, Buchanan Street and the Clyde Arc as well as two further ‘Dear Green Places’: Bellahouston Park and Pollok Park.
Athletes undertaking the 42.195km (26.2miles) route on Sunday 27 July will also cross the River Clyde four times as they push themselves towards the finish line, Gold and glory.
Spectators won’t require a ticket to be a part of the Games along the Marathon route as it is one of three free events taking place in the city.
Further free to view events will be both Cycling Road Race and Time Trial competitions and the routes of these will be announced shortly.
Marathon runners will also experience the unique atmosphere of the world-famous ‘Hampden Roar’, Glasgow 2014 can confirm.
The Marathon medal ceremonies will take place within Scotland’s packed National Stadium, which has already sold out of available tickets for Glasgow 2014 Athletics competitions.
The course has been developed in collaboration with a range of sport, city and tourism stakeholders to ensure that the sport technical requirements are achieved while balancing this unique opportunity to showcase the city to the world.
Designed in conjunction with Scottish Athletics, it has also received endorsement from the IAAF and will receive final certification closer to Games time.
Glasgow 2014 is working with partners including Glasgow City Council and Transport Scotland to minimise any disruption on the day of the event, which will see temporary changes put in place for traffic.
Travel conditions are expected to be different to normal across the city and spectators are advised to plan their travel in advance.
Derek Hawkins, who will compete in the Glasgow 2014 Marathon for Team Scotland, said:
“I experienced the roar of a home crowd first-hand at the London Marathon when I set the qualifying standard for the Commonwealth Games and I have no doubt the support in Glasgow will make a huge difference to me. It’s fantastic for me to know the route to map it out fully in my head and start to think about when to push hard.”
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:
“The Glasgow 2014 Marathon is a wonderful showcase event for the Games and one that everyone can come and enjoy. The route the athletes will take really shows Glasgow at its best and will bring the spectacle of live competitive sport right into the heart of the city.
“The Marathon is one of the three free events on offer, showing you don’t need a ticket to enjoy the unique Commonwealth Games experience. We’re looking forward to seeing thousands of sports fans line the route to cheer on the athletes as they push towards the finish line and the special atmosphere of Glasgow Green.”
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:
“Glasgow is packed with iconic landmarks and the Marathon will show them at their best, providing a magnificent backdrop for the athletes. It is an exciting opportunity for the public to show their support and see the Commonwealth’s leading runners at close quarters. For all Team Scotland selected athletes discovering the route and the medal ceremony location today will provide further excitement and anticipation for what we hope will get our athletics campaign off to a successful start.”
Nigel Holl, Chief Executive, Scottish Athletics, said:
“The route for the Marathon is a classic! A tremendous combination that picks up and reflects so much of the wonderful contrasts Glasgow has to offer – stunning architecture in the city centre, vibrant riverside developments, and the quite beautiful parks that Glasgow is rightly proud about.
“Many Scottish runners have over the years run various sections on the route when completing the Great Scottish Run, so whether watching on TV, or thronging the streets, there will be an understanding and appreciation from the crowd – as well as admiration for the speed, athleticism, and determination on show. Two laps and two races at the same time mean it’ll be a busy course – wonderful for spectators at all points on the route. I can’t wait.”
BP, an official partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, has announced that they have signed Michael Jamieson and Libby Clegg as athlete ambassadors. Last year, Libby Clegg was selected to represent Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014, while Michael Jamieson will attempt to reach the qualifying standard in a few months time.
Glasgow born swimmer, Michael Jamieson is a medal hopeful for the 100m and 200m breaststroke, while Libby Clegg from Edinburgh is one of Scotland and Great Britain’s most successful visually-impaired sprinters. Both athletes were London 2012 medallists.
Olympic silver medallist, Michael Jamieson said:
”I am pleased to be working with a global company such as BP, which has such a longstanding heritage in Scotland. The support from companies such as BP is helping elite athletes to achieve their full potential, which is necessary if we are to succeed in the world of competitive sport.”
Paralympic silver medallist, Libby Clegg said:
“BP’s support is a real boost and will be a great help for my preparations in the lead up to Glasgow 2014. I am grateful that BP is confident about my performance and I’m proud to be one of their Glasgow 2014 athlete ambassadors.”
Trevor Garlick, BP’s North Sea Regional President said:
“We are delighted to support such talented athletes as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“We will be supporting Michael and Libby throughout the year and during the Games. I’m sure our employees will be inspired by their achievements and I hope that many of them will get the chance to meet Libby and Michael in the coming months.”
BP has taken a major step in supporting global Paralympic sport by becoming an International Partner of the International Paralympic Committee until the end of 2016. It also supports several other Paralympic and Olympic organisations in key countries around the world.
Scotland international hockey players Alison Howie and Michael Bremner helped launch this year’s Lead 2014 programme – which will see the number of young people involved since its inception in 2011 surge beyond 50,000.
Howie and Bremner were at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre launch of the programme – a partnership between sportscotland, Youth Sport Trust and Glasgow 2014 –designed to develop the leadership skills of young people.
Secondary pupils are mentored at a one-day conference by university student volunteers in how to plan, organise and manage Commonwealth Games themed sports festivals for their local primary and secondary schools.
In its four years to date, Lead 2014 has now reached all 32 Local Authorities in Scotland, with an incredible 39,659 students, young leaders and school children participating.
This year’s Lead 2014 will focus on what needs to be done for the final countdown of putting on an event and the opening ceremony will feature the Get Scotland Dancin’ project. The programme will be rolled out across University conference dates between 6 February and 26 March.
Using Glasgow 2014 as the catalyst, Lead 2014 will capture young people’s energy and enthusiasm for sport and enable them to become role models in sports leadership as well as seeing the value of volunteering in sport.
Lead 2014 has provided an outstanding platform for young people across Scotland to develop their leadership skills and discussions are already under way about its continuation. The successful peer leadership programme will continue in the same format next year as the country aims to use Glasgow 2014 as a platform to provide a lasting legacy.
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014’s Chief Executive, said: “The Lead 2014 programme enjoys an outstanding response from young people and the number of them empowered by it in their communities has grown significantly year on year. Using sport as a platform to promote leadership, volunteering, health and well-being, Lead 2014 instils in the students and pupils a desire to be part of the Games and to become more aware of and involved in the Commonwealth.
“I truly hope we will see many of these young people engage with the various activities around Glasgow 2014 and with other major events in years to come, ensuring a strong and lasting legacy from Lead 2014 and its continuing achievements.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Scottish sport, without whom it would struggle to function as it does, which is why creating the next generation of leaders in sport is so important. Lead 2014 has already provided thousands of young people with the opportunity to enhance their skills, as well as helping to build their enthusiasm for the Games. Glasgow 2014 represents a wonderful opportunity for all involved in Scottish sport, and as the Lead 2014 programme continues it will help provide us with a sporting legacy to be proud of.”
John Steele, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Sport Trust , said: “The Lead 2014 programme has been going from strength to strength and it will be an incredible achievement for it to reach more than 50,000 young people this year. With the Commonwealth Games taking place this summer there can be no better time to use this special occasion to engage young people in sport and develop their leadership skills.”
Deanna Lundie, Lead 2014 Frontrunner, aged 20, from Nairn, said: “This will be my third year of involvement in Lead 2014. I believe that volunteering in this event helps with building self-confidence, through interacting with others as well as dealing with difficult and new situations. It means you can help others and enhance your own CV.
“After being involved in Lead 2014, my commitment to volunteering was rewarded when I got the opportunity to work at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in both the Athletes’ Village and the Velodrome, an unforgettable experience. Following this, I got selected to represent Scotland at the European Youth and Sport conference in Cyprus where I focused on volunteering and why it was important to people. After being part of Lead 2014, I really wanted to be part of the Commonwealth Games so have combined the two as a pre-Games volunteer helping with Lead 2014.”
In addition to pupil and student education, the programme also offers an interactive workshop for secondary school PE teachers and Active Schools Coordinators.
For more information and Lead 2014 conference dates, visit www.glasgow2014.com/lead2014
The battle for the remaining Team Scotland squash men’s doubles slot has intensified after an enthralling British Open Championships in Scotstoun.
Scotland won every available medal, with Alan Clyne and Harry Leitch – already selected for Team Scotland – pushed all the way in a ferocious final by Stuart Crawford and Greg Lobban. Completing the podium, fellow Scots Lyall Paterson and Douglas Kempsell took bronze.
A partnership since May 2012, Crawford and Lobban make an interesting pair.
Crawford, from Irvine, is about to turn 33 and is the Assistant National Coach, whilst Lobban, from Inverness is aged 21 and a former Crawford protégé, now playing full-time.
The partnership is working and in the past three selection tournaments they have been the second finishing Scottish pair on every occasion, only beaten by Clyne and Leitch.
“Ultimately we trust each other to perform when it matters and we really step up and play our best squash when it matters the most,” said Crawford, who had planned not to target Glasgow 2014 qualification to give the youngsters a better chance, before being persuaded otherwise by National Coach, Roger Flynn.
“And the fact we are able to practise together means we’ve got a slight advantage that we get to go and play together regularly.”
Crawford has been in the game a long time but has never competed in a Commonwealth Games. He missed out by a fraction for the Delhi team in what proved the hardest lesson of his career. The team’s remaining doubles spot came down to a last, winner takes all match in the final selection event. Partnering Jamie Macaulay, Crawford’s dream was crushed when they were beaten by Lyall Paterson and Chris Small.
“I would like to not repeat that,” admits Crawford. “At that point I was a full-time player and I delayed retiring for about a year because the Games were on the horizon and I couldn’t have looked at myself in the mirror if I had quit without seeing what would happen.
“It was everything I was training for and missing out on selection was the low point of my career. It’s a bit like your first love ending. You decide you are not going to be hurt like that again so now I’m a bit more philosophical.
“It doesn’t mean less, but I’ve got more perspective on things with other things going on, with my coaching role. I’m not quite so single-minded in terms of only interested in myself being selected and I’m enjoying everything for what it is.
“Whereas I think Greg [Lobban] puts more pressure on himself because he’s a full-time player and he’s really determined and up and coming.”
The pair’s balance of temperament and experience gives them a good equilibrium. Lobban is just coming to the end of his second year on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Circuit, moving his singles ranking from the 300s to 78 in that time, after winning a pair of titles and featuring in a further five finals.
Whilst there is no doubles circuit as such, he has worked hard on his doubles with the potential of competing in Glasgow.
“Doubles wasn’t important for me before, but now it’s taken more of a front seat,” says Lobban, explaining the pair’s game only really worked after some fine tuning from National Coach, Roger Flynn.
“When we started we both started on our strongest sides; I played on the forehand and Stuart was on the back hand, but it didn’t really work. So we changed around so I play backhand and Stuart plays forehand. It’s weird and I can’t explain it, but for some reason it seems to click a little bit better.”
Flynn has also been experimenting with different player combinations, but has left the Crawford – Lobban team as they are. That of course may change for the next and final selection event in March, the Scottish Open at Scotstoun, but for now the pair are beginning to feel they have more than a glimmer of a chance of being selected.
“I was very reluctant at the start of the selection process to get too excited because of what happened before Delhi,” admits Crawford. “But last week was the first time we have actually started to contemplate that it might happen for us. I’m just enjoying being involved in the whole process.
“I’ve never experienced a Commonwealth Games, but I’ve played in four World Championships and the scale of them would be about two to three percent of what I would expect playing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would be. It’s the absolute pinnacle of our sport and there is nothing comparable.”
You can follow Greg on Twitter @LobSquash
Photo Credit: Rob Eyton-Jones
John Lewis has been unveiled as the ‘Official Department Store Provider’ of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The partnership will see the retailer provide bedding and white goods for the Athletes’ Village.
Glasgow 2014 merchandise is also available to buy on johnlewis.com now, and, later in the year, dedicated Glasgow 2014 shops will open within John Lewis’s Scottish shops, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The partnership with Glasgow 2014 also continues John Lewis’s commitment to providing unique experiences for customers. Selected “my John Lewis” customers will have the chance to obtain tickets to Commonwealth Games events.
John Lewis’s sponsorship of the Games builds on the success of the department store’s support of London 2012. Across the country, John Lewis’s sales of London 2012 official merchandise exceeded expectations by 25%, while sales of its own-brand celebratory range, ‘Celebration of Britain’, were 44% higher than expectations.
Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, David Grevemberg, said:
“The John Lewis brand is synonymous with strong values and great quality, making it a great fit within the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family.
“With the support of such an excellent household name in the Official Department Store Provider category, Glasgow 2014 will continue to build towards success in what will be a truly memorable year.”
John Lewis Retail Director, Andrew Murphy, said
“We’ve been supporting Glasgow 2014 since the bid stage, and are delighted to continue our support by becoming the Official Department Store Provider of the Commonwealth Games. There was so much excitement around the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, and I think Glasgow 2014 will build on this to create a true legacy for our Partners*, Scotland and wider UK.
“We want our shops to be a central part of the celebrations: not only with the merchandise we will sell, but through some of the great events we’ve got planned for customers and Partners alike.”
Peter Nicolson, Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:
“It is great news that John Lewis has joined the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family. I’m sure they will help create a fantastic Games Village environment for all the athletes, while we are really looking forward to seeing the Team Scotland merchandise in particular flying off the shelves of their Scottish stores as our home supporters gear up for the Games “
As judged by an expert panel, last week Hayley Mulheron capped off a solid performance against the New Zealand Silver Ferns by being awarded the Scottish Player of the Series. The Thistles Goal Keeper was kept busy throughout the two game series against the defending Commonwealth champions, but as the last line of defence against the quick firing Kiwi offence, this was fully expected.
However, it could be mistaken that back to back losses of 72-18 and 63-26 could not lead to much encouragement, but Hayleigh sees it differently: “To play against New Zealand, one of the world’s best and to show improvement from one match to the next, that is a win. This experience has really given us a benchmark to see how we are shaping up for Glasgow 2014.”
Born and raised in Castlemilk, Glasgow, the 184cm starting Goal Keeper for the Thistles left school to join the Police force: “I would say that you have to be streetwise around Castlemilk. It has a reputation of being a rough area and to be a Police Officer, you definitely have to be able to read people and think on your feet. Of course Netball is a non-contact sport, but the ability to predict play and hold your position is key.”
Seven years ago Hayleigh stepped down from the Police to become a Civil Servant. She dreams of taking the 20+ hour flight to play Netball full time as only offered in places like New Zealand and Australia, but is enjoying her current job as they are: “Very considerate and flexible with my work pattern which allows me to train mornings and evenings. I actually also play Netball for my work which has its advantages.”
Classifying herself as the “old one” in the Scottish line up, Hayleigh aged 27 has been involved in the national team for the past 10 years and regularly feeds that experience into the younger members of the squad. However, that experience also includes the painful memories of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games when the Scottish team failed to qualify: “Delhi was very disappointing. We were on the brink of qualification but as India was the host nation, they jumped up and qualified instead of us. It was heart breaking and we have used that to drive on and prepare well for Glasgow.”
Hayleigh’s biggest challenge is now maintaining her place in the Thistle line-up until the Team Scotland squad is selected for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in a few months’ time.
You can follow Hayley on Twitter @HayleyMulheron
Photo Credit: Netball Scotland
5,000 tickets for the Commonwealth Games will be used to say ‘thank you’ to individuals and groups involved in Legacy 2014 programmes, Commonwealth Games and Sport Minister Shona Robison announced today.
The Scottish Government’s Legacy Ticket scheme recognises the many achievements and contributions of people across Scotland who are creating a lasting Games legacy.
With 94% of Games public tickets now sold, 5,000 tickets will reward individuals involved in Legacy 2014 activity and who otherwise might not get the opportunity to attend the Games.
Tickets will be allocated by Legacy 2014 partners including: sportscotland, Education Scotland and Big Lottery Fund. They will identify those to be Legacy Ticket beneficiaries, such as:
· Young People – including Team Scotland supporters, and those involved in sport at school, community or club level
· Those who make sport happen, including volunteers
· Those who make a contribution to their communities, through volunteering or other means
· People without the opportunity to experience the Games, and those from disadvantaged groups or those with a disability.
Ms Robison today (January 29) visited Perth with Meggan Dawson-Farrell, Team Scotland para-athlete, along with young sport volunteers at the Perth High School Community Sport Hub as they coached primary school pupils from nearby Oakbank Primary. (Photos are available on request).
Ms Robison said:
“We are determined that there should be a lasting Legacy from the Games.
“This gift of 5,000 Legacy Tickets will recognise the valuable contribution made by people to deliver a meaningful legacy. We’re making sure we can say a big ‘thank you’ whilst offering beneficiaries the chance to see the best in sporting action, or experience the thrill of the opening or closing ceremony, and deliver an “I was there when” moment. My hope is that the memories created by seeing the Games will last a lifetime.”
Meggan Dawson-Farrell, Team Scotland para-athlete said,
“This summer will see some of the best athletes that Scotland has to offer, both able-bodied and disabled, representing their country united – cementing the bridge to equal opportunity. I wish this for all young people, I believe the Games can help bring this about.”
Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said,
“I am delighted that thousands of people will benefit from Legacy Tickets as it will give all of the extremely deserving recipients the chance to be part of the Commonwealth Games.
“Glasgow 2014 is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved in Scottish sport, with 11 days of world-class competition taking place on home soil.
“sportscotland is committed to helping deliver a lasting sporting legacy from the Games, and the performances of our athletes will play a huge part in helping to motivate and inspire the next generation of sporting stars.”
Glasgow 2014 today (Tuesday 28 Jan) announced that the Commonwealth Games Netball Finals will be hosted at the city’s newest venue, the SSE Hydro. This doubles the number of spectators who will have the opportunity to see the world’s top Netball teams in action.
This decision followed a successful test to prove the Hydro’s interior can be transformed overnight after the Games’ Boxing finals are completed. The intensive testing involved a team of 80 working to remove the boxing ring, floor seating and signage plus laying the netball floor, installing goal posts and reconfiguring the surroundings in a short space of time.
Rehearsals for medal ceremonies, athlete walkthrough and simulated mixed zones for media were also carried out to check the timings and flows for the event.
The success of the transition will now see a Netball floor laid overnight after the last Boxing event finishes at 2200 on Saturday, August 2. The full turnaround will be complete for Netball medal matches starting at 1000 on Sunday 3 August. Both the Bronze medal and Gold medal Netball matches will now be played at the SSE Hydro with earlier matches in the competition remaining in the SECC Halls.
Glasgow 2014 strives to maximise the use of its venues so that the athlete experience is optimised by packed stadia throughout the sport programme. Hosting the Netball Finals in the SSE Hydro will create additional ticketing opportunities of which more details will be revealed in due course.
Last week the Organising Committee conducted extensive operational testing to assess the feasibility of hosting the Netball Finals in the SSE Hydro and is now confident this process can be completed in time for approval from the Netball Technical Delegate as well as for a broadcast rehearsal and athlete familiarisation time.
The Finals take place on the closing day of the Games and be among the last medals to be awarded at Glasgow 2014.
The decision to relocate the Netball finals from the SECC to the Hydro was announced during the Chef de Missions Seminar – a briefing for team chiefs from all 70 competing Commonwealth nations and territories – which is taking place in Glasgow this week.
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:
“The Commonwealth Games is a high point of the international Netball calendar and it is pleasing that the culmination of this world-class competition will be played out in front of an even larger crowd.
“Hosting the Finals at the SSE Hydro promises to deliver a fantastic atmosphere for the world’s greatest Netball athletes in one of Europe’s newest, most exciting venues.
“We have been rigorous in our testing of the transition time required between Boxing and Netball and we are confident, working with the International Netball Federation, of delivering an outstanding Finals day for our Commonwealth athletes in front of packed crowds.”