With the Commonwealth Games Scotland offices based on the picturesque campus of the University of Stirling, CEO Jon Doig joined Principle McCormac in welcoming back the university’s Team Scotland Commonwealth Games competitors. The proud athletes were piped into the Gannochy Sports Centre for the ‘Welcome Back’ ceremony that took place during the Sports Union’s annual Bazaar.

Twenty-two Stirling university students and graduates competed at the home Games, which were Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth Games ever. Athletes from Swimming, Triathlon, Cycling, Hockey and Squash took to the Commonwealth medal podium which has been gifted by Glasgow 2014 to the Commonwealth Games Scotland Archive, following its use at the SSE Hydro.

Sports Studies student Cameron Brodie, who helped Team Scotland to a Swimming Silver medal in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay, spoke to the packed Sports Hall about his memories of competing in Glasgow.

“It really was brilliant! It seems sad to say it now, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I knew walking out in the final at Tollcross that this is probably as good as it’s going to get.

“The University of Stirling is fantastic for swimmers. It’s a combination of world class training facilities, world-class coaching and world-class gym facilities as well. There is no excuse for not performing with the set-up here.”

Hockey international Alison Bell, who graduated in 2012 with a PhD in Sports Coaching, said: “There is always that nagging feeling that we could have beaten England and made the semi-finals, but on the whole I can still reflect on Glasgow as an amazing experience that I will never forget.

“There is so much to get involved in sport at Stirling. I was able to improve my hockey and improve my career prospects whilst studying here.”

Jon Doig, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Glasgow 2014 was an event 12 years in the planning and throughout that period we have been based here at the University of Stirling, which has been the ideal environment with world-class sports facilities.

“We are extremely proud of the contribution that University of Stirling students and staff made to Team Scotland, which delivered so much this summer and with the help of the University will continue to do so.”

Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “The sense of pride in the University during the Commonwealth Games as athlete after athlete performed at the highest level was palpable and I am delighted to be able to thank them today.

“To compete at the highest level in sport takes tremendous dedication and many sacrifices. I commend each and every one of our athletes and the many coaches and support staff who helped them along the way.”