In 2010, the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) Board agreed to establish a ‘Medallists’ Reward Scheme’ for athletes representing Team Scotland at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Today, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of CGS, announced that the details of the scheme have now been finalised and that the 28 medallists will receive a share of £182,500.

The purpose of the scheme is to show recognition for Scotland’s most successful Games athletes, and to assist them after they ‘retire’ from competing at elite level, with a boost to their longer term savings and investment planning.

The initiative is being funded through CGS investments, including monies received from the Glasgow 2014 Joint Marketing Plan Agreement.

Commenting on the scheme, Michael Cavanagh said: “It is recognised that whilst many athletes receive some contributions towards their sporting costs whilst competing through the Lottery and other support mechanisms, most put their non-sporting lives on hold and can struggle to re-establish their career after they retire. These funds are targeted to invest in pensions or to assist in establishing their post sporting life following retirement from top flight competition.

“We believe this is a real step forwards and something we are keen to continue for the foreseeable future. We also see this as a tangible benefit for athletes, resulting at least in part from Scotland being the next Games hosts and CGS receiving monies from the required buy-out of our marketing rights by the Organising Committee.”

Gold, silver and bronze medallists at the 2010 Games will receive £10,000, £5,000 and £2,500 respectively. This will be invested on behalf of the athlete and the capital and related interest passed on to the athlete on notification of retirement for their further investment or use. Only one medal per athletes will be rewarded.

Welcoming the news, former swimmer and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Andy Hunter said: “Whilst Lottery and other athlete funding has been a great support during my swimming career, this is a great way of helping athletes prepare for the future. As someone who has just retired from their sport and is starting out on a new career path, this funding will be invaluable in helping me bridge the gap between my old life and my future direction.”

Boxing bronze medallist Stephen Simmons who has recently joined the professional ranks will also benefit and added: “It is great to see the athletes being recognised in this way and I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for introducing this new scheme. Turning pro is a great opportunity for me, but is still no guarantee of financial security and this award will help me through this important transition period.”

Whilst the scheme has initially targeted successful athletes from the recent Delhi 2010 Games, it is planned to operate a similar scheme for Glasgow 2014.

Shooting double gold medallist from Delhi, Jen McIntosh is delighted to be one of 10 athletes receiving the top award of £10,000 and said: “I am already really excited about the prospect of competing in front of a home crowd in Glasgow in 2014 and trying to repeat my achievements from Delhi. However this is a great additional boost for athletes, knowing that they will be recognised and supported in the longer term. I have put my studies on hold this last year to help me realise my sporting dreams and this type of initiative will be really beneficial when the time comes to move on from being a full-time athlete.”

28 Recipients following the 2010 Games are:

10 Gold Medallists – £100,000
Robbie Renwick (Swimming) – £10,000
Hannah Miley (Swimming) – £10,000
Callum Johnson (Boxing) – £10,000
Jonathan Hammond (Shooting) – £10,000
Neil Stirton – (Shooting) – £10,000
Jennifer McIntosh (Shooting) – £10,000
Kay Copland (Shooting) – £10,000
David Millar – £10,000
Jocelyn Rae (Tennis) – £10,000
Colin Fleming (Tennis) – £10,000
15 Silver Medallists – £75,000
David Carry (Swimming) – £5,000
Andy Hunter (Swimming) – £5,000
Jak Scott (Swimming – £5,000
Cameron Brodie (Swimming) – £5,000
Lewis Smith (Swimming) – £5,000
Sean Fraser (Swimming) – £5,000
Michael Jamieson (Swimming) – £5,000
Eilidh Child (Athletics) – £5,000
Josh Taylor (Boxing) – £5,000
Jennifer Davis (Cycling) – £5,000
Charline Joiner (Cycling) – £5,000
Shona Marshall (Shooting) – £5,000
Angus McLeod (Shooting) – £5,000
Ian Shaw (Shooting) – £5,000
Peter Kirkbride (Weightlifting) – £5,000

3 Bronze Medallists – £7,500
Stephanie Twell (Athletics) – £2,500
Stephen Simmons (Boxing) – £2,500
Lauren Smith (Synchronised Swimming) – £2,500

Total 28 Medallists – £182,500