countdwn NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12 – WINTER 2009/10 Chairman’s view

The year between an Olympic and Commonwealth Games is often a quiet one for sport, however 2009 has proved to be extremely busy.

Preparations for the 2010 Games are well underway and our input into 2014 as an organising committee partner continues apace. Jon Doig and his team at CGS have made significant inroads into the planning for next year’s Games and we are determined to ensure that yet again our team will travel to the Games confident Katherine Grainger wins the Emirates Londsdale Trophy, presented by Denise Holmes, Emirates and Michael Cavanagh that they are the best prepared team ever. The great anthem debate begins... There is no doubt that Delhi will prove to be a challenging environment to There was much excitement in the build-up to this year’s Commonwealth operate in, with very few athletes having Games Scotland (CGS) Awards Dinner on 14 November, with the launch of the experienced training and competition in great Team Scotland anthem debate. The dinner was held in association with this part of the world before. However Clydesdale Bank. I am confident that we are putting the necessary plans in place to create an environment, which will give our Extensive media coverage talked of ‘X nationally recognised and endorsed athletes every opportunity to excel at factor’ style voting and even the football through our Parliament and one that the the Games. programmes on BBC Radio Scotland got whole of Scotland can unite behind on involved in the discussions. However it what will be a fabulous and memorable For the first time, our team in Delhi will was through a vote at the Dinner, that occasion for all Scots.” be known as Team Scotland, following guests were able to influence which tune a review of our organisational role will be played, when athletes representing Steve Reid, Director of Retail Banking, and a re-branding exercise to give Team Scotland stand on top of the medal Clydesdale Bank said: “We are proud us an exciting new look and focus. I podium in Delhi next year. to be supporting the Commonwealth firmly believe that this will enable us Games Awards Dinner, Team Scotland and to capitalise on the unique position With no official Scottish national anthem, Scottish sport.” of Commonwealth Games as the only it is up to individual sports to select multi-sport event where Scotland the anthem which best reflects their Another highlight of the evening was when competes in its own right and where we sporting endeavours. Up until 1958, one of Scotland’s greatest ever female proudly boast as our unique selling point Burns’ ‘Scots Wha Hae’ was used to mark Olympians, rower Katherine Grainger ‘17 sports, one team’. Commonwealth Games success and since MBE, was named as 2008/09 Scottish then ‘Scotland the Brave’ has been the Sportsperson of the Year and awarded I very much hope you will back Team preferred anthem. the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy. She is Scotland in Delhi 2010 in whatever your the first woman to win the title. In 2009 capacity as an athlete, a parent, coach, From the short list of four options played Katherine switched from the quadruple member sport, sponsor or supporter. We at the dinner, ‘Scotland the Brave’ was the sculls, in which she won a silver medal at firmly believe our strength comes from overwhelming favourite and along with the Beijing Olympic Games, to the single our ability as a team to draw people ‘Flower of Scotland’ will be presented to sculls. Her outstanding performance of together and get the best out of our prospective team members at their camp 2009 was winning a silver medal at the shared pride in January to make the final decision. World Championships after less than and passion a season racing in her new event and for sport CGS Chair Michael Cavanagh commented: followed a win in an earlier World Cup. and Scottish “This has been a great debate with success on the phenomenal interest by the Scottish In second place was Andy Murray and world stage. public. Hopefully, by the time we reach the gymnast Daniel Keatings was third. in Glasgow Games on! there will be an official anthem that is Continues overleaf... Continued from page 1

Presenting the award Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see that in a traditionally quiet year between Olympic and Commonwealth Games that there are so many outstanding Scottish performances to choose from and many congratulations to all our nominees.

“However, Katherine’s determination to strive for Olympic gold in yet another discipline of her sport, despite having three silver medals in consecutive Olympics, is a credit to her absolute commitment to be the very best. The fact that she got onto the World Championship podium in her first season in the single sculls is quite incredible. She is a great ambassador, an outstanding female role model and a truly worthy winner of the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy.” Congratulating the winners, Conrad Scotland celebrates the Queen’s Clifford, Emirates’ Vice-President, UK & Ireland, said: “Emirates is very pleased to continue its support of The Lonsdale Trophy, and we would like Baton Relay Delhi 2010 to offer our warmest congratulations to Katherine on being awarded In London on 29 October, the official launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 ‘Scottish Sportsperson of the Year’. Delhi took place within the historic Forecourt at Buckingham Palace. Her As official partner of the Scottish Commonwealth Games Team, we Majesty Queen Elizabeth II heralded the start of the relay, by placing her are honoured to be associated ‘message to the athletes’ into the uniquely Indian styled baton which then set with an event that acknowledges off on its 240 day journey around the globe, before embarking upon a 100 day the achievements of elite Scottish national tour of India. athletes like Katherine, Andy and Daniel on this global stage.” The relay will particularly conclude at the enjoyed the Also recognised Games Opening gathering of were five Ceremony on 3 our past team winners of October, when members, known Scottish the final runner will hand the baton back as the Thistle Club. Many thanks to the Sports Aid to Her Majesty, to retrieve the message Lord Provost of Glasgow for hosting us at Merit Awards, and read it aloud, officially opening the the City Chambers.” for athletes Games. under 18. These The people of Glasgow gave the Baton a were made The Baton arrived in Scotland on Sunday warm welcome and were excited about to: Andrew 29 November for the eighth leg of its the prospect of their own Queen’s Baton Ward – Field Sarah Kelly marathon journey. Over the two days Relay arriving in Glasgow in 2014, marking Archery; Will Glasgow, Paisley, Falkirk, Edinburgh and the start Scotland’s Games. On its journey Johnston – Triathlon; Sarah Kelly – a number of Games partners through the central belt the Athletics; Lisa McKenzie – Fencing including Cydesdale Bank all Baton joined in St Andrew’s Day and Kirsty Gilmour – Badminton. held an outstanding range of celebrations in Paisley and visited Ronnie Sloan, Acting Chairman of events and celebrations turning the unique Falkirk Wheel. Its the Scottish Sports Aid went on the spotlight on Scotland’s journey concluded in Edinburgh to present the Scottish Sports Aid participation in the Delhi Games with a trip down the Royal Mile Junior Sportsperson of the Year next year. Our thanks go to and a visit to the Indian High 2008/9 to Sarah Kelly. Sarah won six all of them for their terrific Commission where Scotland’s titles including the AAA U17 800m support and also to the athletes First Minister Alex Salmond met Champion. who took part. the Baton with Indian Consul General Mr. Anil Kumar Anand. Bringing the celebrations to a finale Welcoming the arrival of the was the announcement that Sir Peter Baton north of the border, CGS From Scotland the Baton Heatly was to become the new Patron Chairman, Michael Cavanagh continued on to Cyprus on the of Commonwealth Games Scotland. said: “The visit of the Queen’s next leg of its journey around the Baton Relay to Scotland brings 70 nations and territories of the the Games a step closer. We Commonwealth. 2 Mark Dry Kirsty Gilmour Hannah Miley

the national U17 and U19 women’s singles Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month titles. In August she won the women’s U17 singles title at the Langenfeld Junior Awards make a welcome return tournament and in September she went on to win the UK Schools Games singles As part of their support to Team Scotland for Delhi 2010, Clydesdale Bank title against the best in Britain. Her has resumed its highly acclaimed Athlete of the Month Awards. first taste of a multi-sport Games was a positive one, and will be a good experience Between October 2009 and August time is now 16.62 seconds faster than her should Kirsty find herself in Delhi next 2010 up to 15 athletes who demonstrate final swim in . October. “It would a great opportunity to outstanding performances during the go to Delhi and get some experience which build-up to the Commonwealth Games With qualification times already posted would stand me in good stead for Glasgow will be recognised with an award of £500 in seven events, Hannah has her sights 2014 where I would love to get a medal.” towards training and competition costs. firmly set on coming of age in Delhi less than two months after what will be her Given Kirsty’s family connections with October 21st birthday. the sport it is hardly surprising that With exactly a year to go until the start she seems destined to follow in their of the Games, swimmer Hannah “It would be great fun to be part of the successful footsteps. Her father Brian, was Miley and Moray hammer thrower Mark team in Delhi.” said Hannah. “Melbourne the national junior coach, and she is also Dry were chosen as the first award was when I decided to make my spurred on by her uncle, David Gilmour, winners and both athletes are determined career and it would be great to compete who was capped 50 times for Scotland. to be part of the action in Delhi. again for Scotland.” Kirsty attends the Glasgow School of Hannah made her Games debut in 2006 Mark Dry also had a fabulous season, Sport at Bellahouston Academy, and to at just 16 years old, where she was exceeding the 66m Commonwealth complete her Commonwealth credentials inspired by the medal winning Scottish Games qualification mark on 15 separate she is coached by Craig Robertson a swimmers around her and finished an occasions. In August, Scottish Champion bronze medallist from . She incredible 4th in her favoured 400m Mark became the first Scot in over 25 believes there are real benefits to training individual medley. Hannah has gone from years to break the 70m barrier in the in this unique setting which offers a fully strength to strength and is now a regular hammer, throwing 70.81m to put him integrated programme of education and on the scene. second on the Scottish All-Time list behind high performance sport training. his coach Chris Black. 21 year- old Mark is She had an excellent season in 2009 now top of the UK rankings for 2009 and Congratulating all the winners so far, Jon culminating in 6th in the 200m IM is ranked third in the Commonwealth. Doig Commonwealth Games Scotland CEO and 4th in the 400m IM at the World and Chef de Mission of Team Scotland for Championships in Rome, missing out on “It’s come as a surprise to me; I’m 2010 said: “With a year to go until Team a medal by less than 0.5 seconds. She chuffed to bits” said Mark. “It’s been a Scotland is in action in Delhi it is great broke numerous Scottish, British and good season with sixteen throws over 66 to see so many of our athletes rising Commonwealth records along the way, metres. I’ve got a year to go to Delhi and to challenge and meeting the selection with the highlight breaking the European there is still plenty of work to do.” standards set for the team. record for both the 200m and 400m IM. At 4:31.33 Hannah’s November “Many thanks also to Clydesdale Bank best 400m IM November’s winner was smash hit whose support for this scheme will ensure Kirsty Gilmour. At just 16 years of age, that athletes training and competing at and still playing at junior level, Kirsty this level will benefit from extra financial from Bothwell in Lanarkshire has been support to help them achieve their goals. identified as a member of badminton’s This competition will be a great additional elite squad aiming for selection incentive to our athletes as they strive for Delhi following an outstanding over the next ten months to book their 2008/09 season where she won both place on the team.”

Clydesdale Bank – Backing Team Scotland with investment in success. 3 on the host city for the 2018 Games will be made. It was also confirmed that as a result of Fiji’s full suspension from the Commonwealth, Fijian athletes are not eligible to compete at the 2010 Games. The CGF agreed to raise the case in support of the Fijian athletes’ participation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in late November.

The process for reviewing the sport programme immediately after the 2010 Games was agreed. It was also confirmed Work continues on the National Stadium that following changes to Boxing weight categories there would be 10 categories at Delhi visit reveals state of play the 2010 Games. Whilst in Delhi, CGS also supported As is tradition, the final Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General a trade visit to the city by a group Assembly prior to a Games takes place in the host city with a year to go. of Scottish businesses, organised by Scotland Development International. In October, Delhi geared up for the visit by all 70 Commonwealth Games CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh had the Associations (CGAs) and Chairman Michael Cavanagh, Vice Chairman Fiona opportunity to speak to delegates about McEwan and Chief Executive Jon Doig attended on behalf of CGS. the Games movement and its potential impact on both India and Scotland. The schedule also gave the opportunity Issues relating to accreditation, sport, for delegates to participate in a Delhi 2010 transport, technology, communication information programme, which included and village operations, cross functional venue tours and workshops area working are still the main on the functional areas of the areas of concern. We await with Games and a chance to ask interest the monthly reports questions arising from the from the new Technical Review numerous information manuals Panel that has been established distributed prior to the visit. by the CGF. The CGF Co- There was also an update ordination Commission is also presentation from Glasgow 2014 drawing on input from CGAs to which was well received. ensure team operational issues are addressed. From a Team Scotland perspective the visit also gave Commenting Jon Doig, Chef the opportunity to build on de Mission of Team Scotland relationships developed with said: “We have no doubt Delhi organisers during our April site these will be a spectacular Games visit. We also progressed arrangements with the full commitment of the Indian for the Scottish Centre, spoke with Government. However with the Games The Games village takes shape potential Games attachés, met Emirates so close, it is critical that these areas are representatives and identified Delhi-based addressed so that the Games deliver to Reflecting on the week Michael Cavanagh suppliers. the high standard that both India and the agreed that the Assembly had been Commonwealth Games family expects. extremely useful: “Both the CGF and The venue tours enabled us to see for We have offered assistance and input Delhi 2010 received a clear message ourselves the considerable progress in where required and look forward to rapid from delegates about expectations, the the physical infrastructure since our last progress prior to our next visit in March.” decision making processes and the need visit. It is clear that despite reports to the to communicate more clearly on issues contrary, the venues and village will be During the General Assembly a number of of concern. They appear to have heeded ready by the Games, although it will be other key decisions were taken including this message and we look forward to a tight for some venues to be ready to host awarding the 2011 General Assembly to successful Games next year.” the planned test events early next year. St Kitts and Nevis, where the decision

Delhi’s famous auto rickshaws mingle with other traffic

Akshardham temple complex 4 Delhi 2010 staff ‘away day’ At the end of September a staff ‘away day’ was organised for the General Team Management, Sport Team Leaders and medical staff who will be working with Team Scotland in Delhi next year.

The staff were appointed earlier this year familiar faces to help facilitate the day. and have already been heavily involved Alan Lynn, 2002 Aquatics Team Leader, in preparations for Delhi. However, there Steve Paulding, 2004 Youth Games have been few occasions with everyone General Team Manager and Rhona together at the same time. The ‘away Simpson, women’s hockey captain from day’ was therefore a great opportunity the last two Games. Alan started the day for team building which provided a with a great scene-setting presentation great environment for people to get and they each directed discussion Blind faith in the team to know each other better as groups in the afternoon individuals and to have a greater on potential ‘what if?’ understanding of each other’s scenarios, all taken from roles before arriving in real life experiences Delhi. at previous Games. These were a great The event was held at way of introducing Blue Sky Experiences new staff, and near Methven in reminding Perthshire. It was an returning staff of ideal venue and the Blue potential situations Sky staff were able to that they may face facilitate our aims using a at the Games. variety of different activities. The morning was spent in Michael Cavanagh, the Adventure Zone – a low CGS Chairman also ropes course that not only attended and had Vicky ropes everyone in challenged people individually nothing but praise for but also required good team the way that everyone work, communication and trust fully participated in all in their team to be successful. It the activities and the was also great fun! great atmosphere that was evident throughout The afternoon was spent on the day. It all augurs well several indoor challenges that for Delhi! involved more mental than physical effort but again Training will relied a lot on team work and continue through communication. monthly meetings and attendance In between the activities it on Leadership Trust was great to have three courses. Lynne Dick hangs out with colleagues Balancing act! 5 Rugby Sevens

About to appear in its fourth Commonwealth Games, Rugby Sevens has become a well established and popular part of the Games programme as one of 10 core sports. It also takes on an even greater stature now it has been accepted by the IOC as an Olympic sport making its debut in 2016. Scotland Sevens There was welcome news for Scotland at the end of November Scotland Sevens get a taste of India with confirmation from the Delhi As part of their preparation programme, a squad of current Scotland Sevens Organising Committee that they internationalists and future prospects travelled from the home of rugby sevens, have been invited to compete in the Scotland, to the home of the , Delhi in October for 16 team tournament. Teams will be a week-long intensive training camp one year out from the Games. allocated into four pools initially playing a round-robin format, with “It’s a statement of intent about how data which will be utilised not only in the seriously we’re taking sevens,” said build-up to the IRB Sevens World Series, final pool positions deciding which Scotland Sevens coach Stephen Gemmell. but also the Commonwealth Games in a teams will go on to contest the bowl, “We’ve contracted three fulltime sevens year’s time. The GPS equipment was worn the plate or the cup. players and held a week’s training camp during training and in live games and we one year out from the Games.” measured the impact that travel times, training and competitive matches had on Scotland has had a disappointing The squad were based at Delhi University, the players.” Commonwealth experience so far the venue of rugby sevens at next year’s in Sevens, missing the inaugural Games and they trained against members Commenting on their Delhi experience tournament in Kuala of the Indian national team, played Team Leader Karen Burnett said: “The against local sides and received specialist week spent in Delhi was very useful, not Lumpur in 1998, coming coaching focussed on personal as well as only from the playing aspects, but also first in the bowl (7th) in team development. enabled us to establish good contacts Manchester 2002 and with the local community. We had a great third in the bowl (11th) The camp was supported by deal of assistance from the Delhi Lions Commonwealth Games Scotland, rugby club, as well as Rugby India and we in Melbourne 2006. sportscotland and the shared information with them, such as our Scottish Rugby has sportscotland institute of nutritional plans. plans in place to sport. Scotland Rugby address this and Sevens were the first sport “It also gave all the players a chance to to undertake such an experience the city of Delhi - the sights, is determined exercise as India gears up sounds, culture, traffic and food - all of to be for the Delhi Games. CGS which they found really interesting and performing officials visiting Delhi for exciting ahead of next year’s Games.” to their full the General Assemby took time out to visit the camp. The Scotland squad is due to be potential announced shortly for the IRB Sevens by the time “It gave us an invaluable World Series which starts in Dubai in the Games come to opportunity to experience December and goes on to South Africa, Glasgow in 2014. the conditions and familiarise New Zealand, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, ourselves with the surroundings,” England and culminating on home soil Gemmell continued. “We travelled in Edinburgh in May. We wish them well. with GPS equipment, which we had “Countdown” readers can follow their never used before, to gather useful progress on www.scottishrugby.org.

6 Fitness drills in a tropical climate Trying out the local facilities Glasgow 2014 is on track for the Games Cyclist James McCallum celebrates five years to go with a visit to the site of the new velodrome.

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee (OC) is on track in this first phase of Games planning and to discuss matters to planning for the Games. As with any journey it’s important to plan ahead, and be considered for the sports programme. the OC has developed a roadmap which is a high level timeline from now right The meetings also focused on the through to the Games, with key milestones set as drivers. identification of responsibilities moving forward – specifically that Glasgow 2014 is responsible for the overall delivery of the Funding boost Bowls Complex and work is underway on Games, and CGS will focus on its primary The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee Hampden and Scotstoun Leisure Centre. role of selecting, preparing and managing (OC) announced in November that funding Team Scotland’s participation in the for the event will increase from £373 to Enabling work has begun on the athletes’ Games, whilst still providing guidance and £454 million. The funding boost follows a village, which will accommodate 6,500 advice to the OC as one of the partners. year of detailed planning and a thorough athletes in two and four storey houses, review of the budget required to deliver and four and five storey flats, and set for Discussions also included a preliminary an outstanding Games for Glasgow and completion in January 2014. audit process to capture the current Scotland. A number of factors including capacity of each sport to provide suitably legislative changes, and in particular rising Contracts were awarded for the National qualified technical officials and sport broadcasting costs, have contributed to Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy specific volunteers for consideration for the budget increase. Velodrome with contractors have been on Games time roles. Each meeting provided site since October 2009. Completion is a valuable opportunity for Glasgow The additional funding will come from expected in summer 2011. Development 2014 and CGS to talk ‘sport’ with key a mixture of public and private money. work has started on the Scottish National stakeholders. The Scottish Government will provide an Arena, a new 12,500 seater indoor additional £39 million and a £20 million entertainment and sports arena, which Greg will also work closely with the reserve fund, Glasgow City Council is scheduled to be completed in January Athletes’ Advisory Committee to ensure will contribute an extra £9 million and 2013. Refurbishment of the Royal that athlete needs are central to the the Organising Committee will raise Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh has also planning of the entire sports programme. an additional £13 million through its started, and work will begin at Kelvingrove commercial activities. Lawn Bowls Complex this winter. Fundamentally this will all contribute to the development of a successful sports Lord Smith, Chairman of the Organising Sports programme programme, and Glasgow 2014’s ambition Committee said: “The Games partners are Greg Warnecke, Head of Sport at Glasgow to deliver an outstanding athlete centred united in the belief that these Games can 2014, and representatives from CGS and sport focused Games. be the catalyst for significant change and have held introductory meetings with will generate enormous sporting, social the majority of Scottish sport governing For more information on Glasgow 2014 and economic benefits for the whole of bodies to provide an update on current please visit www.glasgow2014.com Scotland, and we believe that the revised budget announced will enable all those potential benefits to be realised.”

An Audit Scotland report confirmed that progress is being made in all functional areas.

The athletes’ village and venues Work has begun to prepare detailed briefs for all Games venues. These will be issued to venue operators to ensure that all Games requirements are understood and can be factored into development/ upgrade plans. So far venue briefs have been submitted for Tollcross Park Leisure Centre and Kelvingrove Lawn 7 New year incentive for athletes

Delhi 2010 will start to become a reality for Scotland’s athletes when the first full Team Scotland preparation camp gets underway on Saturday 9th January at the University of Stirling.

Invites to the camp will be extended to In addition, the athletes will be given the potential Games athletes who are on track opportunity to select, from a short list of for final selection for the Delhi Games, two, the anthem to be used at the Games along with team leaders, medical staff and for Team Scotland. This has generated the appointed head coaches. some great debate and opinions in recent weeks and we look The excellent team spirit forward to confirming in Melbourne was a major the athletes’ final factor behind our success choice. and the camp provides an excellent opportunity for The camp will mark an potential Delhi athletes to important milestone build a strong team unit in the countdown to right from the start, reinforcing the team’s the Games. With just 10 months to go it 17 SPORTS key message of ‘17 sports, One Team’. It will focus the whole team on the exciting will also allow information to be shared times ahead, and inspire our athletes to on issues such as the Delhi and Team strive even harder to achieve the selection Scotland organisational preparations, team targets set for their sport to secure their ONE TEAM clothing and medical support. seat on the plane to Delhi. Be a part of it! Thumbs up Key Dates 2010 for hockey

9 Jan Team Scotland Team Camp, Stirling University 8 Mar Launch of new Glasgow 2014 branding and rugby 8-13 Mar CGA Chef de Mission Delhi site visit 16-20 May Team Scotland General Team Management and Scotland’s men’s hockey team celebrate Sport Team Leaders site visit to Delhi After months of anticipation, Scotland 5-3 victory over China in a penalty shoot- 30 Jul Team Scotland nominations close finally received its invitations for men’s out convinced the CGS Board that they 19 Aug Final Team Scotland selections agreed and women’s hockey and rugby sevens to have what it takes to meet the grade in 20 Aug Team Scotland Delhi 2010 announced compete in the 2010 Games. Delhi.

4 Sep Team Scotland Team Camp, Stirling University These invitations were formally accepted All three team’s final entries are subject to 23 Sep Commonwealth Games Village Opens by CGS at their Board meeting in late maintaining team form over the next year. 1 Oct Scottish Centre opens, Team flagbearer announced November based on all three teams’ world rankings and recent results. However, for netball the wait goes on. 3 Oct Opening Ceremony 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi They have failed to reach the standard to For the men’s hockey team it had been receive an automatic invite to the Games 14 Oct Closing Ceremony 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi. Handover to Glasgow 2014 as next Games an anxious wait as being Commonwealth and will now have to wait to see if other host ranked number nine, they needed to show nations decline. Like men’s hockey, netball 27 Nov CGS Annual Sports Awards Dinner, Glasgow they could reach the top eight standard would then have to make the case to CGS, required. However, an outstanding bronze demonstrating how they can make the 5 Dec 2010 Games debrief medal at the World Cup qualifier event in necessary progress to reach the required

Photo credits: Ideal Images, Alan Lynn, Rob Eyton-Jones, SNS, New Zealand, which saw victories against standard. Fiona McEwan, Duncan McEwan, SRU, EpicScotland Ltd. higher world ranked opponents including a

Commonwealth Games Scotland, Gannochy Sports Centre, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA Tel: +44 (0)1786 466480 Fax: +44 (0)1786 466481 Email: [email protected] www.cgcs.org.uk

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