Last weekend, the staff for Team Scotland 2014 gathered in Dunblane for their first Staff Team Camp. From coaches to physiotherapists, media to transportation, Team Scotland has a wide range of over 100 dedicated staff, most of whom attended this weekend Camp. The CGS ethos of ’17 sports One team’ was the central theme throughout the weekend with the aim of ultimately leading to a better understanding of the comprehensive support and preparations required for Scottish athletes to compete.

2002 Commonwealth gold medallist, Graeme Randall MBE is the Judo Team Manager for Team Scotland: ‘The weekend was a fantastic opportunity to meet all the staff and enabled us to fine tune our support for the athletes. Everyone here is striving to provide the best service possible to the athletes and this will most efficiently be done through working together, therefore team building is really important’. Graeme is just one of a range of previous Team Scotland athletes who find themselves now on staff.

Former Team Scotland Hammer Thrower, Shirley Addison shared her experience of the Games and gave an insightful look into how creating a caring team atmosphere and valuing each athlete individually boosts both team morale and performance. In an attempt to gel the team, the Leadership Trust led two team building activities with the focus around sharing and working as one team. With a strong military background and a wealth of experience, the exercises led smoothly on from Shirley’s speech and positively added to the success of the camp.

‘This weekend has been a great opportunity to share ideas, enabling us to deliver as one team’ enthused Susie Elms, Womens Hockey Team Manager.

Presentations were made by: Michael Cavanagh (CGS Chairman), Jon Doig (Chef De Mission), Andy McSweeney (Director of the Preparation Camp), Dr Niall Elliott (Head of Medical Services), Dr Kate Jordan (UK Anti-Doping), Neil Jurd (Leadership Trust), Richard Brickley MBE and Heather Lowden (Scottish Disability Sport), Stuart McKenzie (Media Officer), James Saker (CGS Digital Media Manager).