Leading electricity and gas company SSE plc was today (Thursday, 12 July) revealed as the Official Energy Partner of Glasgow 2014.

The link-up with Scotland’s largest company sees it join the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family with an ‘Official Partner’ status – the highest rank within the Organising Committee’s commercial programme.

Headquartered in Scotland, SSE is the leading generator of renewable energy in the UK and the second biggest energy retailer. The company supplies electricity and gas to more than 9.5 million household and business accounts under brands such as SSE, Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric, SWALEC and Airtricity.

The company is the first UK-based Tier One Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games sponsor and joins an already impressive and growing list of commercial partners.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Gravemberg said: “Glasgow 2014 is excited to be working in partnership with such a highly-regarded energy company, headquartered in Scotland and with a presence in every community of the UK.

“We look forward to collaborating with SSE, its customers and staff throughout the UK in developing exciting engagement and activation opportunities that bring our partnership to life and offer the experience of the Commonwealth Games to as many people as possible.”

Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE, said: “We’re proud to be associated with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. SSE has customers and employees in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and we are really looking forward to helping make these Games come alive for them and their communities.

“At SSE we take our work very seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously and we’re aiming to make this sponsorship innovative and quirky, not boring and corporate. We’re already involved in sport in local communities through sponsorships of shinty, golf, cricket, football, sailing and rugby so we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead between SSE and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Both SSE and Glasgow 2014 are keen to maximise the opportunities this partnership presents. Active discussions are on-going and plans for positive and interactive engagement across the UK will be launched soon.

Keen to see sport and athletes at the heart of the launch, gymnasts from each of the home countries were invited by SSE and Glasgow 2014 to show off their skills and take part in the official photocall.

13-year-old Lauren Brash from Scotland was joined by fellow rhythmic gymnasts Mimi-Isabella Cesar (17) from England and Laura Halford (16) from Wales as well as Nicole Mawhinney (16) an artistic gymnast from Northern Ireland. All the gymnasts are aspiring to compete in their first Commonwealth Games when they come to Glasgow in 2014.