countdwn NEWSLETTER ISSUE 18 – SPRING 2012

“I have no doubt that his generosity will help to make a significant difference and allow these athletes to fully focus on realising their sporting aspirations. I know he will follow their progress with interest and will gain great satisfaction from seeing them achieve great things for Scotland.”

Excited to be receiving £1000 towards driving lessons and the cost of running a car, triple gold medallist at the , swimmer Craig Benson said: “This is fantastic news. This funding will make a massive difference to me helping me to become self-sufficient getting to and from training. The amount of support that my family gives me is huge and to make it easier financially for them would be amazing.” Craig Benson celebrates Youth Games success Fellow swimmer Emily Jones added: “To receive this funding is a great boost for me. I know I have the full support of my New support scheme recognises potential family, but to know that there is support of this kind from an organisation is A targeted new initiative was launched by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth incredible, it means that others have the Trust at the end of February, which saw nine young athletes receive awards up to £1000 belief in my abilities, and this will make from the PHM Scholarship Support Fund in recognition of their potential. me even more determined than ever to succeed and achieve my goals.” This is a new source of additional and all of them have demonstrated athlete support funding which is success at junior national and With a ten year commitment given to the being administered by the Scottish international level, coupled with the PHM Scholarship Support Fund this is Commonwealth Games Youth Trust, potential to go on to represent Scotland at great news for Scottish athletes. following support from a private individual future Games. impressed by the potential of Scotland’s young athletes. The funding will be put to a range of good Those athletes benefiting from uses, but focused on helping with living this new initiative are: Support is available for up to 12 costs and special dietary requirements, ATHLETICS prospective Commonwealth Games purchasing kit and equipment, assisting athletes under the age of 26 towards with travel costs to training and their preparation for events leading up competition or even for areas of personal to the and development. beyond. Athletes have been selected based on their performance at the 2011 Welcoming the new initiative, Michael Tom Holligan (17) Zoey Clark (17) (18) Commonwealth Youth Games. Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth £900 £1000 £950 Games Scotland said: “We are truly BOXING Whilst the award is made for an initial one indebted to this individual who has year period, an in principle commitment recognised the potential that so many of is made for a further two years, giving our young athletes in Scotland have. It is the athletes greater security and allowing fantastic that he has personally stepped them to focus fully on their training and forward to support a number of them on Charlie Flynn (18) Mark McKeown (17) Kieran Smith (18) competition. Care has also been taken to an ongoing basis in order to help secure £800 £1000 £1000 ensure that this funding provides an their sporting future. This is a crucial SWIMMING CYCLING enhanced level of support and does time in their development when it not duplicate funding awarded by would be easy for external factors other providers. such as cost to influence their decision whether to quit, or Six of the athletes awarded, continue and flourish in their won medals at the 2011 chosen sport. Craig Benson (17) Emily Jones (16) Grant Ferguson Commonwealth Youth Games, £1000 £1000 (18) £850 Gold Coast comes out on top for 2018

In the vote to decide the host city for the Peters have now been appointed to the This decision will now allow CGS to start 2018 Games the Gold Coast Australia beat equivalent positions in the newly formed to form its initial plans for Team Scotland’s Hambantota, Sri Lanka by 43 votes to 27. Organising Committee. participation.

The Games will take place in April 2018 and Congratulating the Gold Coast, Michael It was also confirmed that the 2017 will include: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in St Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Scotland said: “We are confident that Gold Lucia, the first time a Commonwealth Games Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Coast City will stage a fabulous Games, event has been held in the Caribbean since Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, reflecting their own sporting culture and Jamaica 1966. Weightlifting, Wrestling. heritage, whilst continuing to strengthen the Games brand. We look forward to working with Bid Chairman Mark Stockwell and CEO Mark them as the host city after .” CGF UPDATE

Sports programme changes augur well for Scotland Following the year long review of the Sports Programme which HRH Prince Imran with CGS Chairman Michael concluded at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Cavanagh on a visit to Glasgow in January Assembly in St Kitts & Nevis last November, a number of welcome changes were introduced. Those in place for Glasgow 2014 include: New leader at the helm for CGF The re-introduction of two bronze medals for Wrestling and Judo. After 17 years continuous service as President of the CGF, The The para-sport programme was increased from 15 to 20 Honorable Mike Fennell OJ CD of Jamaica stood down at the events across Athletics, Cycling, Lawn Bowls, Powerlifting and General Assembly. He is succeeded by CGF vice-president, Swimming. These events include tandem cycling events in HRH Tunku Imran from Malaysia who stood unopposed, as did which Ayrshire’s Aileen McGlynn and Aberdonian Neil Fachie Scotland’s Louise Martin CBE who was elected for a fourth term as are current Paralympic and World medallists and there is a Honorary Secretary. welcome return for a disability triples Lawn Bowls event in which Scotland last competed and won gold in 2002. In a visit to Glasgow in January to review progress towards 2014, CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh had the opportunity to welcome Further changes were also made and will apply to the 2018 Games the Prince in his new official capacity. and beyond. The women’s shooting programme was amended to make Tunku Imran has taken swift action to ensure the future of the CGF the events equitable with the men. This is great news for and has appointed pmplegacy to undertake a comprehensive and Scotland, and Jen McIntosh may now have the opportunity to independent Strategic Review of the organisation. The objective of defend the women’s smallbore prone title she won in 2010, as the Review is to provide a framework for the future development well as the smallbore 3 position. of the CGF. It will consider the organisation’s vision and objectives, Triathlon – a team event comprising two men and two women governance, management and funding, as well as branding and was added as an optional event. communications. Following extensive stakeholder consultation, Three women’s events in Boxing were added. the findings of the Review will be reported at the CGF General An eight team women’s Rugby 7s tournament has been Assembly in Uganda in September. added as an optional event. Open Water Swimming was added as an optional discipline. Commenting Tunku Imran said: “This is a very exciting time for the CGF. We recognise the many challenges and opportunities Since November, discussions have been taking place between facing the Commonwealth Games movement and this review Glasgow 2014 and the CGF about which if any of the other changes provides a critical opportunity to re-assess our long term vision they may be able to adopt in the sports programme for 2014. and objectives and ensure our activities remain relevant and 2 sustainable going forward.” Team Scotland 2014 preparations well under way

With the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow now only two and a half years away, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is well on track with its operational planning for Team Scotland’s participation in the Games. General Selection Policy in place

Following extensive consultation with the performance directors of the 17 sports on the New Team logo Games programme, the General Selection Policy for Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, has now been approved and will come into play from 15 April 2013. A new Team Scotland logo to This is the earliest that the General Selection Policy has been in place, ensuring all athletes mark the team’s participation in in Scotland with the aspiration and potential to compete in Glasgow 2014 know at the the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth earliest possible time exactly what they must do to make the team. Games has been unveiled recently. Designed by Tangent, It retains the Over the last three Games cycles, Team Scotland has had increasing success, largely as a Team Scotland wordmark and CGS result of a robust, clear, consistent selection policy and a strong Team Scotland ethos. This thistle graphic whilst incorporating approach will continue, providing every opportunity to enhance individual performances and elements of the Glasgow 2014 building 17 sports into one team. logo and wordmark using the subtle, flowing lines of the sport Following a commitment made at the 2011 CGS AGM, the two aims of the updated policy are pictograms. to ensure that Scotland selects a team that performs with distinction in 2014, achieving its The new logo will be used across highest ever number of medals and highest number of gold medals, whilst maximising the the range of promotional materials opportunity of a home Games. and will be proudly worn on kit by all those selected to represent Team Amongst the key elements of the policy are: Scotland in 2014. All individual sports on the 2014 programme will be represented by a minimum of three athletes, with the performance target of top eight or top two thirds of the field at recent Commonwealth Games, whichever is the tighter, being used as the benchmark. All host team sport places will be accepted to ensure Team Scotland representation in each sport in the Games, with the performance target of top eight in the Commonwealth. Where appropriate, non-accredited staff will be included as part of Team Scotland, to enhance the support service capability of the team. Consideration will be given to allow athletes to participate in additional events to those they qualify in, giving an opportunity to be inspired by a ‘Home Games’ environment.

Sport specific selection standards will now be developed in conjunction with each sport’s governing body and will be published by 15 December 2012. Core team in place

The General Team Management for 2014 has now been appointed* and planning meetings will commence in March 2012 to give the longest possible lead time to capitalise on Team Scotland’s greatest challenge to date. The GTM is Jon Doig Elinor Middlemiss Leslie Roy Chef de Mission General Team Manager Deputy General Team Manager, made up of an extremely experienced group of individuals Transport and Logistics to lead the key areas of the operation.

The appointment of Team Managers for each of the 17 sports, along with additional medical and media staff, will follow by the end of 2012. This is an open recruitment process and we welcome applications from anyone with relevant experience. Look out for the adverts on www.cgcs.org.uk under news. Niall Elliott Lindsay Thomson Katriona Bush Head of Medical Services Deputy Head of Medical Services/ Head of Media & PR *Village staff to be confirmed Head Physiotherapist 3 Youth Team Scotland perform strongly in Isle of Man

The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games took place in lifelong memories. The Commonwealth Youth Games the Isle of Man from 7-13 September, with Scotland are all about offering development opportunities returning home with an impressive 22 medals (five for athletes and staff, and the whole team gold, six silver and 11 bronze) to finish sixth on the undoubtedly benefited from the experience. medal table. 19 athletes contributed to the final total, which shows there is a depth of exciting With around 25% of previous Youth Games young talent coming through the ranks. athletes going on to represent Scotland at the senior Games, we will undoubtedly see more Aside from the medals, each and every one of Scotland’s of these young athletes over the coming years. In the athletes performed exceptionally well and will take away meantime we look back on the three days of competition some important lessons from the Games, as well as some in the Isle of Man.

Tom Holligan Badminton Scotland’s young badminton players equipped themselves well against some world-class opposition, in a busy three days of competition on the court. Kirsty Gilmour battled well through the women’s singles but lost out in the semi-finals against the eventual silver medallist. In the bronze medal match, Kirsty put in a commanding performance to win in straight sets and win her first major international medal.

Kirsty Gilmour

Athletics It was a fantastic Games for sprinter Tom Holligan, who was voted Youth Team Scotland’s flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony. Tom won gold in the 200m at the European Youth Olympic Festival in July, and he replicated his performance in the Isle of Man to add the Commonwealth Youth Games title to his name.

Elsewhere on the track Chloe Lambert won bronze in the women’s 200m on what turned out to be a fantastic closing day for Scotland’s athletics team. Kimberley Reed won silver in the women’s hammer, while Nick Percy tpicked up bronze in the men’s event. Nick added that bronze to the silver medal he’d picked up in the discus the day before, where he set a new British 4 under-17 record. Mark McKeown Boxing Grant Ferguson Up against some strong Commonwealth opposition, Scotland’s five boxers fought well to win four medals; three silver and one bronze. Bantamweight fighter Mark McKeown lost out narrowly to the eventual gold medallist on the opening day of competition, while Rhys Pagan won bronze in the light welterweight division.

Charlie Flynn (lightweight), Kieran Smith (welterweight) and Grant Quigley (middleweight) were all in good shape, making it through to the gold medal bouts on the final evening of the Games. All three athletes fought well, Cycling but lost out, meaning they came home with three silver medals. Charlie and There was a host of World and European champions competing Grant came incredibly close to taking in the three cycling disciplines at the Youth Games, but gold, with a single point deciding their Scotland’s athletes Grant Ferguson, Stuart McCluskey, Taylor respective contests. Johnstone and Jack Barrett all raced well. Ferguson in particular pushed the medal winners close, coming 11th in the time trial, sixth in the road race and fifth in the criterium.

Craig Benson Emily Jones Swimming Scotland’s swimmers won half of the total medal haul, with nine athletes collecting 11 medals. Breaststroker, and athlete of the Games, Craig Benson won gold in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and helped the men’s 4x100m medley relay team to silver, supported by Fiona Donnelly, Charlotte McKenzie, Josh Booth, Ali Stirling and Mark Ali Stirling and Mark Szaranek all Szaranek. won individual bronze medals to complete the impressive total from Emily Jones was the most the pool. Swimming also threw up medalled female athlete at the one of the most exciting moments of Games, winning three bronze in the Games when Fiona Donnelly and the 400m individual medley, 100m Emily Jones finished in a dead heat breaststroke and 4x200m freestyle in 400m individual medley to share relay along with Fiona Donnelly, the bronze medal. Kirstin McKinley and Rachel Sharples.

Gymnastics Rugby 7s Sam Hidalgo-Clyne Scotland’s six gymnasts lined up in In the pool matches, Scotland won against the team all-around competitions the Isle of Man and Canada before on the opening day with the women losing out to Australia, who topped the finishing fourth and the men fifth. group. The boys put in a convincing This qualified each of the athletes for performance in the semi-final against individual events over the weekend. Sri Lanka to set up a quarter-final against . Despite playing well, Shannon Archer, Carly Smith and England prevailed and went on to win Cara Kennedy the competition, leaving Scotland to face Australia once more in the bronze medal match. In an agonisingly close Douglas Ross game the Aussies came out on top 15-12, with Scotland finishing in fourth place. Douglas Ross excelled in the men’s vault final to win gold. He Many thanks to our hosts in the Isle finished with a score of Man for organising such a great of 14.825, which Commonwealth Youth Games. We now look forward to Samoa in 2015 after was enough to see which it will move in the calendar to be off some strong held in the year prior to a main Games, competition. in 2017 in St Lucia. 5 Glasgow 2014’s Head of Marketing, Martin Reynolds, discusses ‘The Game Plan’

It definitely feels like the treadmill has gone up a few levels as the Olympic year kicks. We plan to capitalise on all of the opportunities that 2012 affords and then shine in the spotlight as all eyes turn to the

next stop in the UK’s incredible decade of sport – the Scotland middle distance runner Claire Gibson Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. and sprinter Kim Crawford from St Kitts & Nevis sport their trainers at the Kelvin Hall

I have had an amazing first six months in the Games and the lasting But Summer 2012 is a Game- in post, immersing myself in the benefits they aim to bring to changing moment. The Commonwealth Games brand, learning the people and businesses of London 2012 Olympic and from all those who were involved in the Glasgow and Scotland. It’s a provide an inspiring bid campaign, and developing strategy that’s working, with unprecedented opportunity the strategies – or as we call it, ‘The Game reassuring levels of approval for us, and there are ambitious Plan’ - which will put us in the best possible and awareness according to plans – many directly and kindly position to ensure full stadia, a record- our tracking research. supported by LOCOG thanks to breaking volunteer recruitment drive and a the MoU that exists between welcoming, electric atmosphere at Games We’ve also been focused the two Organising Committees Time. on galvanising this support - to signpost Glasgow 2014 at a grass-roots level, slowly building our during and just after this historic event. We’ve been working hard with a number databases of fans and supporters. As I of our Games Partners and stakeholders, write, we have just passed the 60,000 As the fireworks draw to a close, it is developing an inspiring narrative that will fans milestone on our Facebook page Glasgow and Scotland’s moment. We will engage our many and varied audiences (www.facebook.com/Glasgow2014), launch our official Games mascot almost with the Games. And what an incredible immediately afterwards, designed and won story we have to tell: Scotland’s largest- as part of a design competition delivered ever sporting and cultural event, Scotland’s with BBC Scotland and Blue Peter. It will biggest ever peace-time citizen recruitment be the lead personality in the run-up to drive for our volunteer programme, a the Games, the centerpiece of our youth predicted TV audience of in excess of 1 engagement programme, and embark on a billion people for our spectacular Opening tour of Scotland throughout the Autumn. and Closing Ceremonies, and the unique Soon after, we begin to promote our tradition of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which Volunteer programme, the applications for will visit all 71 nations and territories of the which open in January 2013. Our ticketing Commonwealth. campaign will launch in Summer 2013, just before we open applications to carry the It’s thrilling to play a part in developing Queen’s Baton through the villages, towns the campaigns which will introduce and and cities of Scotland on its historic journey Glasgow 2014 on facebook reveal each of these wonderful initiatives to the Opening Ceremony. to our audiences, at home and abroad, thanks in large part to Sport Your in the near future. With just over two Trainers – a nationwide engagement The team at Commonwealth Games years to go until the Opening Ceremony, campaign to encourage people to ditch Scotland, as well as Scotland’s active and it is understandable that many of our their normal footwear and sport their supportive network of sports governing campaigns thus far have focused on our trainers in celebration of the Games on bodies and national organisations, play corporate messages, building confidence Commonwealth Day. an essential role in the development and success of these campaigns. We rely heavily on their Campaign goals Key messaging experience, technical insight, promotional channels and close PACKED ELITE relationships with the The Commonwealth’s best athletes: athletes, the stars of the performance, competition, stars, show, who help us tell STADIA records, results our story.

HEAVILY SUSBCRIBED ELECTRIC It’s a collaborative VOLUNTEERING The host city bursts into life with working model that welcoming volunteers, full stadia, is already delivering PROGRAMME packed live sites results, and makes me relish the exciting A RAMPANT, ESSENTIAL moments and major ELECTRIC CITY AT An enormous reputational boost for milestones that lie GAMES TIME the city, creating jobs and opportunities ahead. 6 Awards and recognition for top Scots

Team of the Year

Youth Team Scotland scooped the Team of the Year Award at the 2011 Sunday Mail and sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards, following their fantastic performance at the Commonwealth Youth Games. There on the night to collect the Award were gold medallists Tom Holligan, athletics and gymnast Douglas Ross, silver medallist in boxing Kieran Smith, badminton player Caitlin Pringle and cyclist Stuart McCluskey, accompanied by General Team Manager Vicky Strange and Deputy General Team Manager Elinor Middlemiss. CGS Chief Executive, Jon Doig said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as Team of the Year for the second time in succession. Our Youth Games athletes and staff did a fantastic Bankier named sportsperson of the year job in the Isle of Man and had a great introduction to the Commonwealth Games that will undoubtedly benefit them and At the Commonwealth Games Dinner in Glasgow in October, there Team Scotland in the future. Many of them will now have their was recognition for a number of the nation’s top sportsmen and sights firmly set on Glasgow 2014.” women after an exciting and action packed year for Scottish sport. The dinner, organised by Commonwealth Games Scotland in partnership with Glasgow 2014, looked back at the success of the next generation of Team Scotland athletes who competed in the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, as well as celebrating the 1000 days to go mark until the 2014 Games come to Glasgow. Badminton player Imogen Bankier was the recipient of the top award of the evening, fending off some tough opposition to be named the Scottish Sportsperson of 2011 and awarded the ‘Lonsdale Trophy’ along with a cheque for £1000. She is the first badminton player to win the title and only the third woman to be recognised, following in the footsteps of Katherine Grainger (rowing) and Hannah Miley (swimming). Imogen became the first player representing Scotland to make it to a World Badminton Championships final, where she won silver in the mixed-doubles with partner (England). The badminton star was up against some strong competition for the award, with world medallist swimmer Hannah Miley and junior Front Row: Catlin Pringle, Kieran Smith, Stuart McCluskey and Douglas Ross. world champion cyclist John Paul named as runners-up. Back Row: Presenter Neil Lennon, Vicky Strange, Tom Holligan, Elinor Middlemiss and Robert Bell

It was a proud day in December for Commonwealth Games legend Sir Peter Heatly, when Glasgow 2014 named its boardroom ‘The Sir Peter Heatly Boardroom’ in his honour. The welcome gesture was in recognition of Sir Peter’s unprecedented success as a diver and his unique association with the Commonwealth Games. After competing in the 1948 London Olympics, where he finished fifth, Sir Peter won three consecutive diving gold medals in 1950, 1954 and 1958 before going on to become Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) from 1982 to 1990. The self-taught diver from who dominated diving in Scotland for over 20 years has attended all 17 Games from 1950 as Competitor, Manager, Organiser, Chairman of the CGF and, most recently, as Life Vice President of the CGF. The naming ceremony was part of the official opening celebrations of Glasgow 2014’s impressive new HQ in the Merchant City which will be home to 1044 members Sir Peter Heatly of staff at Games-time. All 17 Commonwealth sports are portrayed extensively throughout the building, including the use of pictograms and sport terminology in designing and naming all the meeting rooms. at the heart of 2014 7 CGS Board expanded Following decisions taken at the 2011 CGS AGM, four new non-executive directors have been appointed to the Board to complement the skill set of its existing members.

Already voted in as an Jane Gotts has been To ensure that an athlete executive director at the appointed as Director focus remains at the AGM, Peter Nicolson has of Marketing and core of the organisation’s now been appointed as Communication. Jane thinking and planning, the new Finance Director, is International Director CGS has appointed following a previous of Scottish Council for former shooter and successful term as Development and Industry multiple Commonwealth Treasurer. His executive as well as Programme Games medallist Susan director post has been filled by Leslie Roy Director of BusinessClub Scotland. Jackson, as the Athlete for a two year term. Representative who attends the Board Paul Bush OBE has been meetings. Joining the Board as appointed as the fourth Director of Corporate non-executive Director. Completing the line-up, Governance is Professor Chief Operating Officer Joan Watt has been Leigh Robinson, an for Event Scotland, appointed as Honorary international expert in Paul was General Team Medical Adviser for a third sport governance and Manager for Team term. management at the Scotland in 2002, Chef de Mission in 2006 University of Stirling. and was Director of Scotland House in 2010.

Scotland benefits from intern programme Good luck for 2012! This spring, CGS will benefit from the Scottish athletes across many of the CGF’s Intern programme organised by 17 Commonwealth Games sports are Commonwealth Games Canada. We busy competing for selection for the would like to welcome Colin Whitmee London 2012 Olympic Games. If the from Antigonish, Nova Scotia who will recent amazing display by the legendary take up a placement with us between Sir Chris Hoy in the fabulous new state April and July 2012. Colin will provide of the art velodrome is anything to go support for sport administration by, it is going to be an exciting summer activities and in particular the of sport for Scots on Team GB. It also implementation of the Games serves to build the anticipation for a Management software program Zeus. home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Good luck to all our athletes Colin is a former CIS varsity soccer looking to make Team GB. We look player and has worked and volunteered forward to following your progress, for a variety of sport organizations, cheering you on and applying lessons including Water Ski and Wakeboard learnt in Glasgow in 2014. Canada and the Ottawa Senators.

Key dates 2012 A tribute to Dr. Elizabeth McSwan 1939 – 2012 31 May CGS Annual General Meeting, It is with great sadness that CGS learnt of the death of University of Stirling Dr Elizabeth McSwan in February. Management Centre 27 Jul – 12 Aug London 2012 Olympic Games Liz was involved in both the 1970 as Head Doctor. She was also one and 1986 Commonwealth Games in of the general team staff at the 29 Aug – 9 Sep London 2012 Paralympic Games , as a member of the medical Village in Edinburgh for the inaugural team which set up and ran the Games Commonwealth Youth Games in 2000. 28 Sep CGF General Assembly, Kampala, Uganda medical facilities. Liz was very involved in the then fledgling 15 Dec 2014 Sports Specific Selection Having previously worked with both discipline of Sports Medicine and served Standards complete Scottish and British Athletics she was as Chair of the British Association of delighted to be chosen to go to Victoria Sports Medicine, Scottish Branch. in 1994 as one of the two medical officers She made a significant contribution to for the Scottish Team. This was followed the management of medical services at in 1998 by her appointment Commonwealth Games and certainly left As Honorary Medical Adviser in the her personal mark on the sports medicine Photo credits: Rebecca Lee, Glasgow 2014, preparations for the Kuala Lumpur profession of Scotland and the UK and Duncan McEwan, Ideal Images, Mark Shearman, Games and attending those Games will be greatly missed. Gold Coast 2018, Sunday Mail

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