countdwn NEWSLETTER ISSUE 13 – SPRING 2010

Randall celebrates Chairman’s view gold Over the last few months, Commonwealth Games Scotland has been involved in a number of landmark projects and decisions.

The official anthem for Team Scotland at this year’s Games was finally selected by our athletes in January, following a public engagement process that led to much Michael Cavanagh discussion and debate. I look forward to hearing the athletes’ choice played for the first time in at our flag raising ceremony in the Village and again, when Scots reach the New initiative to help Scots achieve in 2014 top of the medal podium.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist in , Graeme Randall MBE will We continue to enjoy a strong lead an exciting new initiative, designed specifically to enhance the winning partnership with sportscotland. opportunities of Scottish athletes and coaches on the world stage. This year, in addition to their annual investment of £125,000, a further The Achieve 2014 programme has been team member will have the opportunity £20,000 has enabled us to forge created by Commonwealth Games Scotland to observe their own or a similar sport ahead with our Achieve 2014 initiative (CGS), with support from sportscotland to in competition and will complete specific in time for Delhi. CGS has always offer a select number of talented athletes tasks, overseen by a mentor who will work been at the forefront of development and coaches the opportunity to gain critical closely with them to ensure they achieve a and innovation, establishing the knowledge and experience of a multi- robust, performance related outcome. The back in sport environment. This will assist their search is now underway to recruit the ideal 2000 and we believe Achieve 2014 preparations for medal success in mentors who can support and inspire our will build on this. We are confident that 2014 and beyond. future champions in the Commonwealth investing in our future talented athletes Games environment. and coaches will help to ensure that As has been shown from post Games our athletes have the best preparation research reports, some athletes rise to It is anticipated that up to two athletes possible and can compete with the big multi-sport occasion whilst others and/or one coach per sport will be distinction in 2014 and beyond. are overwhelmed by it. Furthermore selected, following a nomination process in competing on home soil in 2014 will bring conjunction with Scottish Governing Bodies Finally, I am delighted to confirm that huge additional pressures. However with of sport and sportscotland. the Scottish Centre concept, which has prior multi-sport Games experience, team been so successful at recent Games, members are better able to cope with this Welcoming his new role, Graeme Randall will evolve further for 2010 to become unique environment and are more likely to said: “I am delighted to be able to use my Scotland House. A collaborative perform and deliver to their full potential. years of experience as an athlete and a high project between CGS, Glasgow 2014, performance coach to help others in the and the Scottish The project will cost up to £144,000 and same position. Government will enable us to showcase includes funding from CGS and an award what Scotland has to offer around Team of £20,000 from sportscotland, who have “Just getting a glimpse of the size and scale Scotland and the 2014 Games, as well also seconded Graeme to operate the of a Commonwealth Games will help the as a fantastic place to visit, live, work programme as the Achieve 2014 Director, athletes and coaches to get a feel for what and do business. part of his new role as a Partnership they will face, and allow them to plan how It will be led by Manager. Discussions are also ongoing with they will deal with it to make the most of Paul Bush OBE, a number of other funders. their winning opportunities.” Chief Operating Officer, Achieve 2014 will offer targeted athletes If successful, the programme will run again EventScotland and coaches in the Glasgow 2014 sports, in 2012 with athletes attending the and former the opportunity to travel to the Delhi Games and then for the 2014 Team Scotland for a five day learning experience. Each Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Chef de Mission. Jayne Clason “I would love to go to Delhi as part of the team, I just can’t wait”, said Jayne. “I enjoyed going to in December for Rewarding the Commonwealth Championships. It was really good experience and despite all our concerns we all kept fit and healthy and competed really well. The Scots won five success medals in total – our best haul ever at these Championships.”

February The 2009 season proved a series of Herculean achievements for Ayrshire weightlifter, Peter Kirkbride, who is poised to represent Scotland in his second Commonwealth Games.

The 22 year old from near , holds 17 British records, three of them taken in the season-ending Scottish With athletes in all 17 Commonwealth Games sport vying for selection for Delhi, Senior Championships in Pitlochry. He bettered Team Scotland’s Commonwealth CGS has continued to recognise and reward impressive performances through Games qualifying criteria by 20kg. In a final the Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month Awards. crowning glory after a spectacular season he became British Weightlifter of the Year. The award scheme is being run as part of These fabulous achievements, have led the Bank’s programme of support to Team Kirkbride to be named Athlete of the Month Scotland and is open to athletes in any of for February. the 17 participating sports who are eligible to represent Scotland at the 2010 Games. Clydesdale Bank – Peter began weightlifting as an 11 year Clydesdale Bank’s award of £500 to every Backing Team Scotland with old, at 12 won the British Schoolboy winner ensures that athletes training and Championships and at 13 he started competing at this level will benefit from investment in success. breaking British records. Now he holds 17 extra financial support to help them to different British age group records from achieve their goals. under 15 to under 23. He’s been winning Scottish senior titles since he was 16 and December Whilst recognising this year has been a holds every Scottish senior record. On the Ross Stott was named Athlete of the huge learning curve after his first taste of international scene, Kirkbride won gold Month for December in recognition of his major competition at senior level in the at the Commonwealth Youth Games in impressive performance at the World Cup European Championships, Stott hopes his Bendigo in 2004 and finished sixth in the qualifying event in New Zealand. Ross was growing confidence and recent form will last main Games in 2006. integral to the team’s third place finish help him get more starts for Scotland. and he was justly named the man of the “Melbourne was one of the best tournament by the Scotland team coaching “My primary aim is to get selected for Delhi experiences of my life,” he says. “I was the staff. but beyond that I would love to get a GB youngest weightlifter ever to represent call up for London 2012 and follow in the Scotland and I was up against some good “I scored the winning goal in the penalty footsteps of my brother Niall.” competition. It was a totally different world shoot out in that match and I wasn’t to what I’m used to, being on the big stage keeping count before I lined up for the last January with thousands of folk watching you and penalty so I didn’t know I was playing a for women is making its millions more watching you through the crucial shot, but scoring that goal topped Commonwealth Games debut in Delhi. It is a cameras. I’m a big show off in that way.” off a memorable tournament for us and a big and one in which the hosts great team effort”, said Ross. have targeted significant medal success, March however Scotland also plans to field some 18 year old Jennifer McIntosh from Falkirk strong opposition including 25 has shown she is also on year old Jayne Clason, who was target for selection awarded the January Athlete of for Delhi, following the Month Award. an impressive performance at Jayne only took up wrestling the Commonwealth 18 months ago, switching from Federation the sport of judo as part of a Championships sportscotland backed talent in Delhi in transfer initiative. Now she is February, the poised to represent Scotland official test at the Commonwealth Games event for the in Delhi and even has an eye Games. on a medal in the 55kg weight category, if she can replicate her She won gold form from the Commonwealth in the Women’s Championships last December, 50m Rifle 3 where she won a bronze against Positions Pairs 2 Ross Stott strong opposition. competition Sports on track for Delhi It has been a busy few months for many of the sports, with a number of them participating in training and competition opportunities in India. All have enjoyed a positive experience and also achieved some good results, whilst other sports have continued with their national and international competition programmes in search of qualification standards.

Wrestling Wrestling had its most successful ever It was great to see Sir return to Commonwealth Championships when international success at the world track it went to Jalandhar, India in December championships in March, following a year winning five medals. Viorel Etko won of rehabilitation after serious injury. He bronze in the 60kg weight category took gold in the Keirin to win his tenth Jennifer McIntosh and Masoud Yosefi took silver in the world title, and along with fellow Scot Ross 84kg class. In the women’s event Donna Edgar, won bronze in the Team . and backed this up with a second win in the Robertson and Jane Clason both won Chris also expressed how important the Women’s Prone Pairs event. If that was not bronze in the 51kg and 55kg respectively, Commonwealth Games are to him, despite enough, she helped set new championship whilst Ashlea McManus, 67kg took silver. the pressures of a busy British programme scores in both events despite still being geared towards London 2012. “Delhi is an classed as a junior. important stepping stone towards London. Scotland’s archers also had the It is not crucial, but it is something I want This impressive medal haul, backed up by opportunity to compete in the 2010 Games to do. The Commonwealth Games is called numerous Commonwealth Games minimum venue at the official test event in March, the ‘Friendly Games’, it has a unique consideration scores, saw Jennifer named which was well managed by FITA, the atmosphere and is a great event.” Athlete of the Month for March. In 2008 she international governing body. They found won a silver medal at the Commonwealth that the main stadium was well on its way Youth Games in Pune, India. to completion, with the field of play ready Scotland’s swimmers had a successful and most of the practice field available. week at the British Gas Swimming “Delhi was brilliant, the facilities world class, The Scots were disappointed to finish just Championships in March, with eight the ranges are huge and much better than outside the medals, however it was the qualifying for European Championships. anything we have here,” said Jen. “It was first outdoor event of the season and they Many also posted good times in advance of a good experience which will really help are confident they will improve. the all-important Scottish Commonwealth if I make it into the Games team for this Games trials in June. October.” Shooting 13 Scottish shooters attended the was the star performer For Jen, taking up shooting was the most Commonwealth Shooting Championships winning three medals including gold in both natural thing in the world, with mum in Delhi in February, the official test the 200m and 400m Individual Medley and Shirley a multiple Commonwealth Games event for the Games. They experienced silver in the 200m Breaststroke. In her medallist, and dad Donald a Commonwealth first-hand the excellent facilities they favoured 400m event Miley recorded the Games representative in 2002 and now the will be using in October and the climatic second best time in the world this year. Scotland and Great Britain National Coach. conditions they will face. Despite some Hannah said: “I’m wanting to do well at logistical challenges, the team did both the Europeans and Commonwealth Looking forward to Delhi Jen said, “3P is my extremely well winning two gold medals, Games this year. I love swimming for stronger and favourite event. My two silver and three bronze and setting Britain, but the Commonwealth Games is a aim is to make the final and I am two new Championship records. rare chance to stand up and be proud to really looking to Glasgow 2014 swim for Scotland.” for medal success. However I really want to win the women’s Scotland’s boxers also made the trip to Lawn prone. That’s the one my mum Delhi in March for the Commonwealth At the Eight Nations test event in Delhi in won and they are taking it out Boxing Championships and came April, took the men’s singles of the programme after away with three medals. Both Stephen bronze, with Commonwealth Games these Games. She was Simmonds in the 91kg and Ross Henderson veteran Margaret Letham and Caroline the first person to in the over 91kg weight categories took Brown also taking the bronze in the ladies win it and I would bronze, whilst qualified pairs event. Scotland was one of the top love to be the for the final of the 81kg event. Sadly for performing nations, along with Australia last.” Callum, an injury prevented him contesting and Malaysia. The experience against the title and he was forced to withdraw these nations on the competition surface To read more and had to settle for silver. has been highly valuable. about the achievements of our talented athletes go to www.cgcs. org.uk

Peter Kirkbride Hannah Miley 3 ARCHERY

BOXING

One by one, sport venues are being finished and readied for the Games Delhi progress with Games planning

Team Scotland Chef de Mission Jon Doig and General Team Manager Vicky Strange travelled to Delhi in March, joining the other 70 Commonwealth nations and territories, for the Chef de Missions’ meeting, all keen to get an update on preparations for the Games.

This, the fifth visit to Delhi for Jon said: “There are still immense Jon and other CGS staff in time pressures, but I’m confident Scotland officials were able to see the the last 12 months, is part of that with the full commitment actual block where they will be based. a comprehensive programme of the Organising Company and to review Delhi 2010 progress their Government partners, “The village environment is critical in and to input into the Organising along with the assistance of allowing athletes to rest and prepare Committee’s planning to ensure the Commonwealth Games immediately prior to their competition Team Scotland is the best Federation in key areas, the right and the village in Delhi will give them prepared team it can be. preparations will be in place and large amounts of space in quality Delhi will host a fantastic Games. accommodation. It also includes extensive After concerns expressed at the The welcome from our Indian onsite training facilities for some sports, General Assembly in October last colleagues and their desire to which will be a first and a real benefit to year, both Jon and Vicky were make the Games memorable the athletes by reducing travel time. We are pleased to report considerable will, I am sure, make a lasting also delighted that we have been allocated progress with both the construction of impression on our Team members and accommodation in our preferred location venues and Games planning in key areas. supporters come October. in the village which we identified and requested during our site visit last year.” “We were particularly pleased to receive full briefings in the areas of medical The final site visit will take place in May support, security and transport which when all of our General Team Management we are now reviewing with our specialist and Sport Team Leaders will return to Delhi advisers. The safety and security of our for the last time before the Games. team is a paramount concern, as it is at any Games, and we are happy with the Construction continues preparations outlined at this stage. There with the Akshardham is still some way to go with some venues temple in the but if they are anything like those we saw background already completed, then our athletes will be competing in high quality facilities and amidst spectacular settings.”

General Team Manager Vicky Strange described the Games village as having the potential to be amongst the best Commonwealth or Olympic Games village that our athletes will have experienced. The Games’ mascot keeps an 4 eye on the workers’ helmets! Sport specific site visits

As part of our athlete and staff preparation programme, CGS and sportscotland have supported sports to attend training camps or competitions in India.

By May eight sports will have been supported, including , Swimming and Wrestling in 2009 and Archery, Shooting, Lawn Bowls, and Boxing in 2010. , Cycling, Table and Tennis are also considering attending competitions in India before the Games. Some of the sports have been taking part in test events organised by Delhi 2010 which has given them a fantastic opportunity not only to experience the climatic and cultural conditions in India but has also allowed them to compete in the Games venue in Delhi. Athletes and staff who have attended these visits are reporting that they have been invaluable in fine tuning their preparations for the Games in October in a part of the world that many of our athletes don’t regularly get a chance to compete in.

Teams have travelled to Delhi with team sponsor Airline and have benefited from excellent service and support, particularly with excess baggage and specialist equipment.

Team staff training programme

The training programme for the Team Scotland staff is entering its final phase. General Team Management, Sport Team Leaders, medical staff and appointed coaches are receiving regular briefings on Delhi 2010 preparations along with updates from sports who have visited the city. Staff have also continued to take advantage of the leadership training sponsored by The Leadership Trust. Also included in this phase, will be training on how to communicate the best qualities of the Team and its constituent 17 sports to the media and wider public. This will be backed up with a media briefing for all team members at the final Team Camp in September. 5 Melbourne medallists Chris Baillie, Susan Hughes, and Kate Cullen model the new kit.

Team Camp marks the countdown to Delhi

Prospective Team Scotland athletes were put through their paces at the first Team Camp in January. More than 230 athletes and staff representing all 17 sports gathered at the University of Stirling despite the wintry weather.

The purpose of the day was to ensure representing Team Scotland win gold and all those with aspirations to be selected stand on top of the podium in Delhi. Up until for Team Scotland were involved in the 1958, Burns’ ‘Scots Wha Hae’ was used to Kit supplier unveiled vital planning and preparations from the mark Commonwealth Games success and outset, aimed at maximising their chance of since then ‘Scotland the Brave’ has been One of the highlights of every Games success at this year’s Games. the preferred anthem. for an athlete is finding out what kit they will wear when they represent Commenting on the importance of the The choice of anthem has been revisited Scotland, particularly for the very Team Camp Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of again for 2010 with the Team Camp first time. The Team Camp was the CGS said: “Commonwealth Games Scotland attendees left to chose between ‘Scotland ideal time to announce that CGS aims to deliver the best prepared team the Brave’ and ‘’. Both has established a partnership with possible, creating the right environment anthems were played, accompanied by adidas to design and manufacture its and giving athletes every opportunity to a photo montage of past Scottish medal delegation wear for Delhi. excel at the Games. The excellent team success, to enable athletes to visualise that spirit in Melbourne was a major factor special moment and make an informed final Welcoming adidas on board, Jon Doig, behind our success and today’s camp decision. There was much excitement when Commonwealth Games Scotland provides an excellent opportunity for it was announced that ‘Flower of Scotland’ (CGS) Chief Executive and Team potential Delhi athletes to build a strong had been chosen as the new Team Scotland Scotland Chef de Mission said: “We team unit right from the start, reinforcing anthem by a landslide vote of 211 to 15. are delighted to have established a the team’s unique position of ‘17 Sports, partnership with adidas to supply our One Team’. It was then down to business, with a series delegation wear for Delhi, tailored of lectures and interactive workshops to our own design. adidas has a first New anthem for Team Scotland throughout the day, giving a flavour of class reputation for technological The day started with the all important what Delhi will be like as the host city and innovation and a commitment to decision to select the Scottish anthem addressing many of the questions raised performance which is in line with which will be played when athletes over recent months. Team Scotland’s own philosophy and we look forward to working with them over the coming months. We are also confident it will prove to be a popular choice with our athletes.”

Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing, adidas UK & said: “adidas is proud to be supplying Team Scotland with delegation wear for Delhi 2010. We have a long heritage in supplying teams at major sporting events and Team Scotland athletes will receive the very best bespoke 6 team apparel.” Dancing for Delhi! Exciting times for Glasgow 2014

With the new brand identity and website launched, and plans for the Delhi 2010 Handover Ceremony well underway, this is an exciting time for Glasgow 2014.

New brand identity The site, designed by Dog Digital, Glasgow 2014 launched the new Games has been built to be interactive brand identity and website on 8th March, and hosts a number of new key which was , witnessed features, including a timeline by an audience of around 1000 people at which goes back to the decision Glasgow’s Clyde Auditorium, the venue to bid, a blog and a ‘contact us’ which will host the weightlifting competition section, as well as hundreds of at the Games. downloadable images and films.

The brand identity will be used to raise the Another fun new feature is the profile of the Games and engage people Games Channel, which has been across Glasgow and Scotland as well as to set up to host a series of short attract commercial sponsors with exclusive stylish documentary films to access to the brand. document the Games journey.

The creative concept behind the brand is To check out the first three films derived from the basis of all sport – Time, on the Glasgow 2014 Games Channel and Ceremony. The performance will be Data, and Measurement. Who jumps the the rest of the site go to www.glasgow2014. beamed live across the Commonwealth to highest, swims the fastest, lifts the heaviest. com an estimated audience of 1 billion people The brand identity is made up of four distinct parts and reflects that the Glasgow Delhi 2010 Handover To encourage people from all backgrounds will be the Glasgow 2014 has recently launched the to apply, Glasgow 2014 has offered a 20th Games; there will be 17 sports on the search for people across Scotland to get £300,000 funding package to allow programme; 11 days of competition and at involved in the Handover Ceremony at the 96 adults of all ages, abilities and the heart of our brand identity is 1 Host City, Delhi . backgrounds from across Scotland to take represented by “G” for Glasgow, meaning part, alongside hundreds of cast members “Dear Green Place” in Gaelic. The Handover Ceremony is a key milestone who are being sourced from dance groups, for Glasgow in becoming the next Host City sports clubs and organisations across the Glasgow 2014 is planning to host a series of and the proud bearer of the Commonwealth country. workshops over the next couple of months Games Federation flag and includes an for the governing bodies relevant to the eight minute creative programme to Glasgow 2014 aims to use this investment Games sport programme, to inform how the showcase Glasgow and Scotland to the in communities across Scotland to brand can be used. rest of the world. The performance, which establish a network of people who will be will involve a mass choreographed dance motivated by the life changing experience Also launched was the new Glasgow routine, will take place in the spectacular of being involved in the Delhi 2010 Flag 2014 website and digital communications Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and will host a Handover. This network will then develop platform, which reflects the brand identity. capacity crowd of 60,000 for the Closing the knowledge and understanding to inspire others in their local area to become ambassadors for the Glasgow 2014 Former athletes Commonwealth Games. Rhona Simpson and Shirley Webb sport Games for Scotland the new logo The ‘Games for Scotland’ programme funded by the and delivered by EventScotland, is designed to inspire, develop and support a range of exciting events and activities this autumn, to promote pride in Scotland’s people around the hosting of the Games and Scotland’s Commonwealth heritage. It will coincide with the momentous handover of the Commonwealth Games flag in Delhi on the 14th October, creating an opportunity for all of Scotland’s communities to get involved. Sporting and cultural events that are successful in their application for funding, will deliver a celebration of contemporary Scotland and its place on the global stage. 7 Graeme Randall and Richard Corsie with fellow inductees Graeme Obree and Ian Stark Commonwealth greats recognised A further two Scottish Commonwealth Games greats were recognised in the latest induction ceremony for the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in March. Lawn Bowler Richard Corsie MBE and judo player Graeme Randall MBE bring the total number of Games athletes honoured to 19.

Scotland has a rich bowling history and 19 years old he was already Junior European Richard Corsie certainly contributed to it Champion and had a Junior World Bronze through an impressive array of titles, both medal. His career went from strength to indoor and outdoor. At just 19 years of strength, taking the World title in 1999 and 17 SPORTS age he won bronze in the Singles on his who could forget the moment he struck Commonwealth Games debut in . Commonwealth gold in in He added a further Commonwealth bronze 2002. In recognition of his outstanding ONE TEAM in Singles in 1990 before striking gold level of competitive performance, Graeme in in 1994. Richard went on to was awarded the prestigious honour of the become a triple World Indoor Singles Bowls sixth Dan. Graeme retired from the sport Champion and was capped continuously for in 2002 but has shared his knowledge and Be a part of it! Scotland between 1989 and 1998. Richard experience with the next generation of was widely acclaimed as the most naturally judokas as High Performance Judo Coach at gifted player Scotland has ever produced the sportscotland institute of sport and as and his premature retirement in 2003 was a the Men’s World Class Start Coach for British Key Dates 2010 huge loss to the game. Judo. He will now help to shape the success of other athletes as Director of Achieve 2014. 16-21 May Team Scotland GTM and Sport Team Leader Graeme Randall is Scotland’s first and only site visit to Delhi Judo World Champion. By the time he was Congratulations to Richard and Graeme. 30 Jul Team Scotland nominations close 20 Aug Team Scotland Delhi 2010 announced 4 Sep Team Scotland Team Camp, Stirling University Commonwealth Sports Development Conference now booking 23 Sep 2010 Commonwealth Games Village, Delhi opens The 3rd Commonwealth Sport and Development Conference takes place at Glasgow’s Mitchell 23-30 Sep Team Scotland departures Library on the 3rd and 4th June 2010. The theme is Achieving Sustainable Development – 25 Sep Flag raising ceremony, Games Village Building capacity in Communities, Clubs and NGOs. 1 Oct Scotland House opens The programme has been developed by Prof. Fred Coalter, University of Stirling, with the aim Team Scotland flagbearer announcement of bringing together an unusual variety of practitioners and funders and providing a unique 3 Oct Opening Ceremony 2010 Commonwealth Games, opportunity to explore issues of vital importance in delivering sports-for-development and Delhi sports development programmes worldwide. 14 Oct Closing Ceremony 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi. Flag handover to Glasgow as next Games The conference is run in partnership between Glasgow City Council, Culture and Sport Glasgow host city and sportscotland, with support from UK Sport and the Commonwealth Games Federation. For 16 Oct Team Scotland arrives home details or to book – www.regonline.co.uk/commonwealthconference 27 Nov CGS Annual Sports Awards Dinner, Radisson Glasgow The day prior to the conference, all 71 CGAs have been invited to attend a one 5 Dec Team Scotland 2010 Games debrief day programme organised by Glasgow

Photo credits: Ideal Images, Rob Eyton-Jones, SNS, Duncan McEwan, 2014 with support from CGS. SWpix.com, Glasgow 2014, Scottish Archery

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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