With only two days to go until the start of competition, General Team Manager Vicky Strange says Youth Team Scotland is ready and raring to go. Training sessions for all seven sports started today and the feeling in the camp is great.
“Our advance party arrived on Sunday, and we welcomed the rest of the team last night”, said Vicky. “The athletes have been training today and everyone is really happy with how their preparation is going. It’s only been 24 hours, but we have already embraced the Commonwealth Youth Games, and the learning experience has well and truly begun.”
She continued: “We had a great Team Camp last month, and I’m delighted to see that the atmosphere has carried over to the team hotel in the Isle of Man. The buzz around the camp is noticeable, and it’s only going to get better when competition starts on Friday!”
UK School Games, double-silver medallist, badminton player Josh Neil said: “Today has been great, and quite relaxing. We’re all getting into being part of Youth Team Scotland, and I’m looking forward to competition starting. My goals are to play well and get the experience to move forward.”
Swimmer Emily Jones said: “The hotel has been great so far and we’re getting a great taste of the Games. We are sharing a room with athletics athletes so it’s the first time we’re getting to really meet competitors from other sports.”
It’s a busy day for Youth Team Scotland tomorrow (8th September) with Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison joining the team to announce the athlete selected to be the flagbearer for the Games. The chosen athlete will carry the saltire for the team at the Opening Ceremony, which takes place at the Bowl Stadium tomorrow evening. Swimmer Craig Benson, cyclist Grant Ferguson and sprinter Tom Holligan were shortlisted as potential flagbearers at the Team Camp having achieved significant success over the past year.
The weigh-in for the boxing competition takes place at 7.00am, when the draw will be made for the opening round. The preliminary bouts will take place tomorrow, but all athletes are expected to be ready for the opening ceremony.