Commonwealth Games Scotland is delighted that Michael Cavanagh, Past Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list published today. He has been awarded an OBE for service to sport and the Commonwealth Games movement.

Michael was Chair of CGS between 2007 and 2015, completing the maximum two terms. He led the organisation’s preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which resulted in Team Scotland’s most successful ever Games to date, winning a total of 53 medals, including 19 gold.

As Chair of CGS, Michael played a key role on the Board of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and was also Chair of their Sport Advisory Group. At the forefront of all Michael’s leadership and involvement with Glasgow 2014 was the drive to see that the Organising Committee lived up to the bid commitments made by Scotland as the host Commonwealth Games Association, ensuring that the Games were truly sport focused and athlete centred, as well as being delivered on time and on budget.

Congratulating Michael, Paul Bush OBE, Chair of CGS said: “We are absolutely delighted that Michael has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list today. In his voluntary role as Chair, Michael made a significant contribution not only to Team Scotland’s success at Glasgow 2014, but to the overall delivery of the Games.

“Glasgow 2014 truly raised the bar and will live long in the memory of the athletes of the Commonwealth as a ‘pure, dead, brilliant’ event that had their needs at the forefront of the planning and delivery. Michael has now been rightly recognised for his leadership and commitment to the Games movement.

“I would also like to congratulate all the Scottish Olympic and Paralympic medallists who have been recognised in the New Year Honours for their incredible performances in Rio.”

Michael is a former Scottish Commonwealth Games team member, wrestling at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, was wrestling coach at the 1994 Games and wrestling team manager in 2002. In 2006 Michael was Assistant General Team Manager with responsibility for the village and athlete liaison.

Michael has also managed British teams at world wrestling championships and other international events. He is a former President of the Scottish Wrestling Association, a former director of the British Wrestling Association Ltd. and was the 2004 Olympic Team Manager for Wrestling.

In his professional capacity Michael is a Senior Manager with sportscotland and was previously Manager of the East of Scotland Institute of Sport.

Michael Cavanagh said: “I am delighted to be honoured for the contribution that I have made to sport and the Commonwealth Games. I started in my sport of wrestling, aged 11 and like many others have found that my sporting journey has given me wonderful experiences, long lasting friendships and many fantastic memories.

“In particular, I am very proud of the huge contribution that Commonwealth Games Scotland made to the planning and delivery of the ‘Best Ever’ Games in Glasgow in 2014, during my time as CGS Chair. It was a privilege to lead CGS at the most exciting and successful time in our history and the record breaking performances of Team Scotland athletes, made Glasgow 2014 an event that will live long in the memory.

“Anything that I have achieved has only been possible because of the full support I have had from so many people, including the staff and directors of CGS, Team Scotland representatives in both 2010 and 2014, but most importantly my family, particularly my wife, Cathy. That support allowed me to play a full part in leading hard working and committed teams to the great success, which has been recognised by the awarding of this honour.”