Great Britain’s most celebrated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy is today (Thursday 13 September) revealed as the first Official Ambassador for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Sir Chris is the first of a select group of high profile sporting and celebrity figures who will work with the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee over the next two years to promote the Games and help ensure as many people as possible make the most of Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event.

Specific details of his involvement will be announced in the coming weeks, but will include appearances in high-profile promotional campaigns and events as well as on-going support for the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Chris has won an array of medals at the highest level in track cycling. As well as securing two Commonwealth gold medals for Team Scotland, Sir Chris has won six Olympic gold medals and eleven world championship titles. In 2008, it was announced that a new velodrome in Glasgow, a landmark venue for the Commonwealth Games, would be named in his honour.

Sir Chris Hoy, Glasgow 2014 Ambassador, said: “The Commonwealth Games is a special event for me. I have fantastic memories of competing for Scotland in the Games on three separate occasions, especially winning my first major Championship gold medal at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.

“Following an incredible Olympics in London, I’m proud to lend my support to the next great sporting event on home soil. Making sure that people from all walks of life, especially young people, feel inspired to be a part of the Games will be a big focus for me.

“London 2012 was the perfect way to end my Olympic career. The Commonwealth Games are two years away and I haven’t made any decisions yet, but to be able to compete in Glasgow in a velodrome bearing my name would be the dream ending for me.”

Lord Smith, Chair of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, said: “We could think of no person more appropriate than Sir Chris to be our first Official Ambassador. I have no doubt that his success, his support, and his passion for Scotland will inspire people – spectators, volunteers and athletes – to get behind the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. We are delighted to have the support of Britain’s greatest Olympian.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland welcomed the news and added: “As well as our greatest Olympian, Chris has been a fantastic ambassador for Commonwealth Games Scotland winning two gold and two bronze medals.

“We would love to see him compete for Team Scotland one final time in 2014, but we know that whatever capacity he is involved in the Games he will continue to be a true inspiration to others both on and off the field of play.”