countd wn NEWSLETTER ISSUE 19 – WINTER 2012/13

Chairman’s view t is 10 years since ICGS started the journey towards hosting the 2014 Games. Now all involved have less than two years to deliver both a great Games and medal winning performances, setting a stage for future generations to build on. And whilst athletic and organisational success doesn’t happen overnight, I believe Scotland is well on course in each

Sir regard.

This is a critical time for us, with many athletes refocusing after and Hoy and Murray share top award looking to secure their place on Team Scotland once the selection period After an unparalleled year for British and Scottish sport, there was a lot to opens. Key staff are currently being celebrate at the 2012 Commonwealth Games Awards Dinner in November. appointed and regular meetings are being held with 2014, the Such was the strength of the nominations The evening also saw a sportscotland institute of sport and the that judges were unable to choose between number of presentations Scotland’s greatest Olympian Sir Chris by Scottish Sports governing bodies across the range of Hoy, and World No. 3 in Aid, to recognise functional areas, as our preparations his first and Olympic medal the achievements of move full steam ahead. winning year. Both were named as Scottish Scottish junior athletes Sportsperson of the Year 2012 and jointly aged between 12–22 In particular I would like to thank awarded the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy. years. Five Merit awards were presented sportscotland for their continued They will receive two Business Class flights to: Lorenzo Chiavarini – Sailing; James financial investment which makes our to , courtesy of Award sponsor Clegg – Paralympic ; Douglas day to day operations possible, for their Emirates – the Official Airline Partner of Kempsell – ; Maia Lumsden – increased performance support to all Glasgow 2014. and Jade Nimmo – Athletics. From the five, 17 sports in the Games and for their two further awards were made, with Maia shared belief in the importance of the Also on the shortlist, with outstanding Lumsden named the Most Improved Junior Commonwealth Games and the key role performances that would have won the Sportsperson and James Clegg awarded it plays in Scotland’s sporting pathway. award in any other year, were rower the Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2012. Katherine Grainger and swimmer Michael Congratulations to all the award winners. I would also like to thank all our Jamieson. partners for their continued support and commitment to the success of More than 350 people from Scottish sport Team Scotland as we progress towards and business joined in the celebrations in our home Games in Glasgow. Let’s Glasgow, including a number of Olympic and work together to achieve our biggest Paralympic athletes. The dinner, organised and most successful team ever in 2014 by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) in and, at the same time, develop a high partnership with Glasgow 2014 Ltd., looked performance back at the incredible success of the London sport 2012 and contemplated structure the excitement to come for Scotland over that will the next two years. Plans to deliver an consistently outstanding Commonwealth Games are deliver for progressing rapidly, whilst Scottish athletes many Games are preparing to enter the race for a to come. coveted place on Team Scotland, when the Andy Murray with selection period opens in early 2013. Lonsdale Trophy

2012 Commonwealth Games Meet Clyde - the Awards Dinner highlights friendly face of Glasgow 2014 It was the moment we had all been waiting for!

In September the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee finally unveiled the official Michael Cavanagh & Denise Holmes with Mascot for the Commonwealth Games after Christine Windmill and a UK-wide children’s design competition, Alasdair MacLennan collecting the Lonsdale which was won by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour Trophy from Cumbernauld. Maia Lumsden, Scottish Sports Aid Clyde, is a patriotic and adventurous Winner “The Games being in Glasgow will offer thistle who will be the friendly face of the an amazing opportunity to showcase the Hazel Irvine, Ronnie Games. Beth’s design was chosen for its Sloan and James Clegg, city and Scotland. It’s incredible to know Scottish Sports Aid Scottish symbolism and Glaswegian charm that world-class athletes from across the Winner and likeability. Her entry interpreted this Commonwealth will be coming to my home much-loved symbol with a youthful energy city in 2014 – being able to compete in front – embodied by a cheeky facial expression – of a passionate home crowd at Tollcross will and strong, sporty thistle arms and legs. be something truly special.”

Meeting Clyde at the launch, Olympic and Clyde will be a significant personality in Commonwealth medallist in swimming, the run up to and during Games-time. He Michael Jamieson said: “Clyde is great embarked on a national tour of Scotland fun and the perfect Mascot to spread the straight after the launch and will play a Glasgow 2014 message across Scotland and major role in many landmark moments the Commonwealth. He’s a true Glaswegian on the journey to the Games. He will also and you can’t help but smile when you’re in be cheering on Scottish athletes as they his company – I’m sure everyone who meets compete for places on Team Scotland over Clyde will feel the same. the next 18 months.

• Entry levels for swimming were Also presented to delegates were progress confirmed at three per country and reports from Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast CGF shooting entries at two per country. 2018 and Samoa 2015 Youth Games. • Women’s Boxing events have been added to the Commonwealth Games Commenting Michael Cavanagh said: update progamme for the first time ever and “There were many important decisions follows the recent success of the debut taken in Kampala which will have a of Women’s Boxing at London 2012. beneficial effect, not only on Glasgow In late September, CGS Chairman, There will be medals awarded in the in 2014, but on the future of the Games Michael Cavanagh, Vice Chairman, Fiona same three weights as in London: Fly movement. McEwan and CEO Jon Doig travelled Weight (48-51kg), Light Weight (57- to Kampala, Uganda for the 2012 60kg) and Middle Weight (69-75kg). “It was particularly gratifying to note the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) • The CGF Assembly also endorsed positive reaction to plans for Glasgow 2014 General Assembly. changes to the Lawn Bowls competition and the general excitement about the format, which will now include four Games on the back of the London Olympics. Top of the agenda was intense discussion medal events for both men and women. Our hosts in the Uganda CGA put on an around the Strategic Review of the CGF, This change reflects more closely outstanding conference and set the bar its operations and future direction. The the formats of world championships high for us, when Scotland hosts the next recommendations in the report, presented conducted by World Bowls. Each county two General Assemblies in 2013 and 2014.” by consultants PMP, were generally will be able to enter up to five men and accepted and will now be taken forward five women who will each play in two by the CGF Executive Board for further out of the four events: singles, pairs, discussion and a decision in February 2013 triples and fours. regarding implementation over the next • The number of Parasport events were three years. confirmed as 22, following the addition of two powerlifting events. The sport programme was once again under the spotlight with a number of key All programme changes endorsed by the decisions taken affecting the 2014 Games CGF will be accommodated within Glasgow including: 2014’s existing sports programme and maintains the forecasted quota of athletes 2 expected to attend the Games. New bowls format for 2014 Michael Jamieson What a year for British and Scottish sport 2012 has been an incredible year for Scotland’s top sportsmen and women, with their performances at the London 2012 Olympic and capturing the imagination of the whole country.

The feelings of inspiration and excitement Scottish Sportsperson of the generated will hopefully last for years Year Award. and with 178 Olympic medals won by Commonwealth athletes, it has certainly Sir Chris Hoy - Cycling: In 2012 track Michael Jamieson – Swimming: Scotland’s given Scotland a taste of what is to come cyclist Sir Chris Hoy became Britain’s most first Olympic swimming medallist since in 2014. successful Olympian winning two gold Graeme Smith in 1996, Michael Jamieson medals, first in the Team Sprint and then won silver in the 200m Breaststroke at 55 Scots were selected for Team GB in his specialist Keirin event, to add to his London 2012, setting three Scottish and in 21 different sports and impressive silver medal in 2000, gold in 2004 and British Records in the process. He has performances resulted in a haul of 13 three gold medals in 2008. In the ultimate improved his time by three seconds since medals (7 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze), five honour, Chris was named as Flag Bearer for his silver medal performance in 2010. of which were in sports on the Glasgow Team GB at the Opening Ceremony. Straight 2014 programme. 22 of the team had after the Games he was named as the first competed in previous Commonwealth Glasgow 2014 Ambassador. Games with a further three representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Andy Murray – Tennis: Andy capped a Games. Congratulations to all the athletes fantastic year by winning his first Grand including medallists Sir Chris Hoy - Cycling, Slam event, the US Open in a pulsating Michael Jamieson – Swimming, Daniel match against world number one Novak Purvis – Gymnastics, Laura Bartlett and Djokovic. This followed a breakthrough gold Emily Maguire – Hockey. medal win at the London 2012 Olympics, avenging a Wimbledon final loss to Roger At the Paralympic Games, 27 Scots were in Federer. Partnering Laura Robson, Andy action for Paralympics GB winning 11 medals came close to winning two Olympic titles (3 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze). Cyclists Neil eventually losing in three sets in the mixed Fachie, Craig MacLean and Aileen McGlynn doubles final to claim silver. will all be hoping to repeat their medal success in Glasgow, alongside sprinter Libby Katherine Grainger – : In 2012 Clegg. Katherine achieved her life goal by winning Olympic gold in double sculls with Anna Top Scots at the Games Watkins which makes Katherine the first Outstanding performances saw these British female athlete in any sport to medal Jennifer four athletes shortlisted for the 2012 CGS in four successive Olympic Games. McIntosh

Athletes who competed at London London - the end of the line and new beginnings and events which will For a number of Commonwealth Games athletes, London 2012 brought the curtain feature in Glasgow 2014 down on their impressive careers, whilst others had happy events to look forward to. Athletics: Eilidh Child, Eilish McColgan, Freya Murray, Lee Multiple Commonwealth medallist , who made his international debut at the McConnell, Lynsey Sharp, Libby Clegg and went on to win double gold in Melbourne in 2006, bowed : Imogen Bankier, out in style making the final of the 400m freestyle at his second Olympic Games. He is now Susan Egelstaff eligible to claim his CGS Medallists Reward Scheme support of £5,000 from Delhi 2010. We Boxing: Josh Taylor wish David all the best following his recent marriage to English swimmer Keri-Anne Payne Cycling: , Chris Hoy, Craig and as he embarks on a new career with Red Sky Management. MacLean, Aileen McGlynn, David Millar Another 2012 Olympian tying the knot after the Games was Commonwealth silver and Gymnastics: Daniel Purvis bronze medallist Lee McConnell who married Craig Bonthron in early November. Hockey: Laura Bartlett , Emily Maguire Also hanging up her racket is badminton player Susan Egelstaff ranked number one in Judo: James Austin, Euan Burton, women’s singles for both Scotland and Great Britain. Over an 11-year career, she has been Sarah Clark, Sally Conway, Chris Scottish national champion six times, won seven international titles and also picked up two Sherrington bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006. London 2012 was her first Shooting: Jonathan Hammond, Olympic Games and she won GB’s first badminton match of the tournament. Jennifer McIntosh Swimming: Craig Benson, David Whilst Sir Chris Hoy has called time on his Olympic career with a record six gold and one Carry, Michael Jamieson, Caitlin silver medal, he is still hoping to compete in 2014 subject to form and fitness. It would be McClatchey, Hannah Miley, Robbie awesome to see him compete in the velodrome named in his honour which he officially Renwick, Sean Fraser opened in October 2012. Weightlifting: Peter Kirkbride A full debrief of London 2012 will be conducted to see what lessons can be learnt for Glasgow. 3 Standards set Second GTM visit With the CGS General Selection Policy completed in late 2011, this year has focused on developing sport specific highlights progress policies, so athletes and coaches know what the required selection standards are for Team Scotland. In late October 2012 Team Scotland’s General Team Management conducted their second site visit to the Glasgow 2014 Headquarters and key venues as part We are on target to complete all sport of their preparations for the Games. policies by the end of the year, with the exception of Gymnastics which will be Led by Chef de Mission Jon Doig and allowing them to keep in touch with friends completed early in the New Year, after General Team Manager Elinor Middlemiss, and family and relaxing.” the post Olympic review of scoring is individual management staff met completed. counterparts in Glasgow 2014 for an update For a number of staff it was also their first on progress and to give feedback on plans, opportunity to visit the Emirates Arena Not only do we want athletes to make whilst also enabling our staff members to where the will be held in the the team, but also be in a position to explore ways of working together as a unit. Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Badminton perform with distinction once there. Of particular interest was being able to will also take place in the adjacent Arena. So selection is again based around input into the development of the level of all athletes having the ability to make services being delivered by Glasgow 2014 “With this fantastic venue built and now the top eight or top 2/3 of the field to athletes and staff, from the moment they in operation, we can see how its proximity (whichever is the tighter) in key events arrive at the Games to the point they leave. relative to the Village and Celtic Park for and we anticipate that with the support This mapping of the athlete and officials the Opening Ceremony will certainly ease systems in place from governing bodies journey was a unique development and will travel issues”, commented Leslie Roy, and sportscotland, we should have have huge benefits in delivering support General Team Manager for Transport and our largest ever number of athletes in and managing expectations. Logistics. Glasgow. The selection period will open in most sports from April 2013, allowing A tour of the venues in the East End sector Other venues visited included the SECC a full competition year period before the allowed all staff to directly view progress Precinct where the construction of the final team is selected in June 2014. In a for themselves. In the Village which is now impressive Hydro Arena has continued at number of sports we anticipate making rapidly taking shape, we were able to view a pace and will host the Gymnastics and first selections by October 2013 to allow two types of housing and ask questions of Netball finals. The compact nature of this the most effective preparation over the both the developers and Glasgow 2014. cluster of venues hosting a total of six winter period and early part of 2014. sports was noted (Gymnastics, Netball, Gina Logan, General Team Manager with Boxing, Judo, Weightlifting/Powerlifting and CGS Games Team Operations Manager, responsibility for the Village said: “We were Wrestling) and will reduce travel time for Elinor Middlemiss, commented: “It is excited by what we saw and the standard athletes and staff. important that athletes know as early as of housing generally will be great for possible what they must do to make the athletes to be able to relax and prepare for Commenting on the day, Jon Doig said: team and that we are as consistent as competition. The amount of construction “Whilst Commonwealth Games Scotland is possible across sports, so that when an and level of completion on site is very playing a proactive role in the development athlete is selected they know that not advanced and we look forward to our next of the Games infrastructure in our role as only do they deserve to be there, but so visit to see more of the accommodation host CGA, site visits such this are important do all other team members. options. to ensure our requirements as a competing team are also being taken into account. “We look forward to seeing quality “It was also great to hear from the 2014 is ‘our party’ and we are determined performances during the selection Organising Committee about the progress to create the best possible environment to period, not just from the recent on the provision of internet access, which enable our athletes to perform to their very Olympians and Paralympians, but also will make a real difference to the athletes, best”. from our 2011 Youth Games athletes and those on the Achieve 2014 programme in Delhi. We will also hope to see outcomes from sportscotland’s ‘Gold for Glasgow’ programme, looking for new athletes or those who transfer to different events, coming through like they did in Delhi, when Jenny Davis and Charlene Joiner won a silver medal in cycling.

“We are also keen to ensure that all The Hydro Arena takes shape Athletes’ Village housing options athletes who are eligible to compete for Scotland have the opportunity to do so, and urge them to check the CGF eligibility criteria.”

These eligibility criteria are attached to the General Selection Policy, and all sport specific selection policies can be found on http://www.cgcs.org.uk/

glasgow-2014/team-selection- GTM 2014 Other housing styles 4 policies/ Team Scotland staffing taking shape

Behind successful athletes on our team are skilled and committed staff who can provide specialised support, targeted on the individual needs of each athlete, as well as knitting together within different areas of operation and across all 17 sports.

Over the last six months there has been a professional input from Search Consultancy, review of the Team Scotland staff structure the Official Recruitment Consultancy to the to consider the specific needs of the Glasgow and Glasgow 2014 Games, taking into account Commonwealth Games Scotland. the additional challenges and opportunities of a home Games. This has taken into Team Chef de Mission, Jon Doig “Search has brought a different focus account an anticipated larger team size said:”Search has brought a different focus to our recruitment process, ensuring of athletes all meeting the selection to our recruitment process, ensuring a standards. To ensure we attract the right competency based approach to the roles a competency based approach to the mix of people, we recruit from a wide range that need to be performed both in the roles that need to be performed.” of backgrounds and partner agencies, lead to the Games and during Games- with all our volunteers and seconded staff time. Already we are seeing a great range Jon Doig, Chef de Mission having clear job descriptions and going of people coming forward to offer their thorough an open recruitment process. services. Being a home Games seems to Once appointed, linking in with the day-to- have boosted interest significantly and day support teams of athletes and sports overall we are extremely pleased with the is critical to successful delivery at Games- quality of people we have to choose from.” Staff time. Three Media Officers have now been Focus With the General Team Management appointed, with medical and team appointed earlier this year, we have moved management roles due to be finalised by NAME: to the next phase of recruitment of key early 2013. Further technical and support Lindsay Thomson support staff in the areas of Sport Team roles will be made later in 2013 and 2014. Managers, Doctors, Physiotherapists and POSITION: Media Officers. Head Physiotherapist A key part of our recruitment process for these Games has been the addition of Why did you want to be involved?: The Commonwealth Games have made a huge impact on my life and the athletes I work with. The opportunity to be involved in a home Games in Glasgow In the media spotlight is something I really wanted to be part of and to help Team Scotland achieve We are delighted to welcome three media officers to work with Team Scotland at the Games great things. and providing additional support to Katriona Bush, Head of Media & PR in the lead up. Looking forward to Glasgow 2014 Katriona said: “London 2012 has given us a clear indication What does your role entail?: of the level of media interest we can expect around the home team competing in Glasgow 2014. I am delighted to have such a strong team on board at this early stage, so we can be To ensure we provide world class ready to support the sports and athletes through the media environment at a home Games medical support for each athlete, to enable them to perform to their best at and maximise the profile of the Team.” the Games. To deliver this, I work closely with all the physiotherapists to ensure they bring their skills and experience together to work as a co-ordinated team with the doctors, coaching staff and most importantly the athletes.

What will be your biggest challenge?: Right now it is all about selecting the right team from the fantastic pool of physiotherapy expertise that Scotland has developed over the last 10 years. But during the Games it will be getting Stuart Mackenzie Rob Eyton-Jones David Christie enough sleep! Stuart is PR and Media A freelance sports PR specialist, New to Team Scotland, David Manager with EventScotland Rob is also well known to Team works with one of CGS’s What excites you most about the and previously worked with Scotland, having been a media key partners, University of Games?: sportscotland. He brings officer back in Manchester Stirling, as a Public Relations extensive experience of working 2000. He also headed up Officer and Winning Students Seeing athletes I have supported over with Team Scotland, first as a communications with Youth Communications Manager. the years achieve their goals, and being media officer in Delhi 2010 and Team Scotland in Pune in He works with a wide range part of the whole Team Scotland again - then with Youth Team Scotland 2008. An accomplished sports of sports, including a part- there is nothing like it! in Isle of Man 2011. Stuart has a writer, Rob has also developed time support role with particular interest and expertise complementary skills in the area triathlonscotland. David was Lindsay is currently recruiting her in social media. of photography and video. previously a regional and team of physiotherapists. national newspaper editor. 5 Athletes to the fore as sponsors come on board

Over the last year, Glasgow 2014 has continued to attract further commercial companies to an already impressive and growing list of sponsors, with most also choosing to be sponsors of CGS and Team Scotland. We are delighted to welcome them DELL to the Commonwealth Games family and look forward to working with them as we countdown to Glasgow!

A big thank you to all our athletes who they will be supporting the Games through have been involved in media launches and a wide portfolio of brands including: IRN- events, supporting CGS Chairman, Michael BRU, Scotland’s ‘other national drink’, and Cavanagh, and helping to raise the profile Strathmore Scottish spring water. of Glasgow 2014, its sponsors and Team Scotland. Also confirmed as coming on board was Emirates, one of the world’s fastest Back in March, Deputy First Minister Nicola growing airlines and previous sponsor Sturgeon, Olympic and Commonwealth of Team Scotland for the 2006 and 2010 Games medallist Steve Cram MBE and Commonwealth Games campaigns. They athletes from the Scottish netball and were unveiled as an Official Partner of the hockey teams joined Glasgow 2014 at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and city’s Scotstoun Stadium to unveil Atos as the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton an Official Supporter. Relay.

Atos’ business technologists will be Welcoming all the Glasgow 2014 Partners delivering critical applications and services and Supporters, CGS Chairman, Michael essential to the successful staging of the SSE Cavanagh said: “Despite the difficult Games, including a range of Management economic climate Glasgow 2014 has Systems and Games Information Systems, Dell also joined the team, becoming the managed to buck the trend and attract which will leverage Atos’ experience Official IT Hardware provider. From its an impressive portfolio of commercial from over two decades of Olympic and Scottish headquarters in Dennistoun, a partners. I believe this shows the Paralympic Games. stone’s throw from where much of the confidence in both the Commonwealth sporting action will take place, Dell will Games brand and the belief in Scotland to With Olympic fever starting to sweep the provide the winning combination of its deliver an outstanding Games. We looking country, July was a busy month with two experience of large-scale global projects forward to engaging closely with them all companies keen to be part of Scotland’s with its east end heart. The announcement over the coming months, to explore how we Games sponsorship action. was made at Scotstoun Leisure Centre, can successfully work together.” where children from schools in Glasgow Leading gas and electricity company SSE took to the pool with Commonwealth silver became the Official Energy Partner of medallist, swimmer Jak Scott. Host broadcaster announced Glasgow 2014 and the first UK-based Tier There was also good news this summer One sponsor. Headquartered in Scotland, In September, fresh from the Olympic when the host broadcaster contract for SSE is the leading generator of renewable Games in London, 2010 Commonwealth the Games was awarded to international energy in the UK and the second biggest Games silver medallist over 400m hurdles, television sports broadcast experts energy retailer under brands such as SSE, Eilidh Child, visited Scotstoun Sports Sunset+Vine and Global Television, in Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric, SWALEC Campus to celebrate leading technology their first joint venture as SVGTV. They and Airtricity. Keen to reflect their UK-wide company Toshiba TEC UK Imaging Systems will capture the excitement and thrills interests, rhythmic and artistic gymnasts joining the team as the Official Office of the Games for a potential world-wide from each of the four home countries were Automation Supporter of Glasgow 2014. audience of more than one billion people. invited to bring some poise and style to The highlight of the event was the First the launch: Lauren Brash, Rhythmic – SCO; As the year drew to a close November saw Minister interviewing up and coming Laura Halford, Rythmic – WAL; Nicole a flurry of activity with renowned Scottish Mawhinney, Artistic – NIR; Mimi-Isabella Scottish badminton player Caitlin Pringle, soft drink manufacturer, A.G. Barr revealed who represented Youth Team Scotland Cesar, Rhythmic, ENG. as an Official Supporter. Their links with at the 2011 Youth Games and is hoping Glasgow date back more than 100 years and to wear Team Scotland colours again in 2014.

ATOS TOSHIBA 6 Hilary Maguire’s story

Hilary MacGuire said: “I work as a PE teacher at Lenzie Academy so sport has always been important to me and being involved as a volunteer at London 2012 was amazing to be so close to the field of play. “I was part of the Athletics Equipment Team. I was also made to feel really appreciated

Volunteers launch recruitment and respected as a Games Maker by both drive at Hampden Park the Olympics Organisation and the general public which made it all worthwhile. “I was rewarded in so many ways, from so Do you have what it takes many special moments. I ended up with the ultimate souvenir: one of the relay batons used in the 4x100m event when the world to be a Games volunteer? record was smashed by Jamaica.

The recruitment drive to find up to 15,000 volunteers to help “It was similar to being on a rollercoaster deliver the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is already on with many highs and some lows, usually sore and a number of these are specialist sport roles. feet and tiredness. It was worth it, though, to meet some of the world’s most famous Applications open in mid-January, but those Within each of those key groupings, specific athletes. interested are already being encouraged roles will then be identified for each sport “Usain Bolt was a very friendly, cheeky, to register their interest online at www. and will include Team Leaders and Team larger-than-life character. He gave me a high glasgow2014.com/volunteer. Members. five after he got that relay world record and third gold medal. Another night to remember Doing this will keep would-be volunteers Those who volunteered as Games Makers at was when Team GB claimed three track firmly up to speed via email as the process the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and field Golds, the Saturday evening that gathers pace after the turn of the year. will know the excitement that comes from Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah Another option would be to drop-in for being at the heart of the action. won. more information at the Glasgow 2014 “That was an atmosphere I will never forget Volunteer Centre opened at the start of Not every role promises this, of course, and it would be great if the same kind of November by Clyde, the official mascot, but every Glasgow volunteer will hopefully feeling was generated at Glasgow 2014.” along with five would-be applicants. experience the buzz that comes from contributing to the largest sporting and The Volunteer Centre in Glasgow’s cultural event ever hosted in Scotland. Merchant City will act as a hub, hosting an In London a spirit and camaraderie “For the participating teams the volunteers anticipated thousand interviews a week emerged among the Games Makers and are critical to the quality of every part of for the huge range of volunteer roles; the now Glasgow 2014 is looking for up to their Games experience. interviews are due to start from April 2013 15,000 of the friendliest faces out there to onwards. produce the same again. “From the technical officials who ensure that the sport competitions are run Glasgow 2014 has identified three key The early indications are promising. smoothly, to the drivers who help athletes volunteer groupings in order to establish a Research carried out on behalf of Glasgow and officials get seamlessly around the city, consistent approach across all 17 sports: 2014 showed that one in four Scots gave to the people welcoming athletes into the Field of Play – assist with operations up time to volunteer in the past year dining room, a friendly and flexible attitude such as; ensuring athlete and officials and similar numbers expressed interest turns a good Games into a great and entry to competition area, ensuring in volunteering for the Commonwealth memorable Games.” sport specific equipment is in place Games. and assistance in call rooms. Games partners cut the ribbon Athlete Services – assist with Fiona McEwan, Vice operations such as; warm up areas, Chair Commonwealth cool down areas, athlete preparation Games Scotland, said: lounge and distribution of athlete “Scots are naturally apparel. very hospitable and International Federation Services – coupled with a great assist with operations such as; sense of humour we support Technical Delegate needs are confident that at competition venue and service Glasgow 2014 will have Technical Official lounges and meeting a volunteer workforce rooms. to be proud of.

Visit www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer FOR INFO ON VOLUNTEER MINIMUM CRITERIA 7 Chris puts track through its paces ‘Two years to go’! While the eyes of most of the world Standing proud in the middle of were on London for the start of the otherwise vacant land at Glasgow’s Olympic Games, Scotland was enjoying Clyde Gateway, a small 40m its own countdown to Glasgow 2014. section of running track, just two lanes wide, was put through its With the 23rd of July marking exactly ‘Two paces last summer, all set to be Years to Go’ until the Opening Ceremony pronounced ready to become a piece of the XX Commonwealth Games three Scottish athletes were invited to have a of Commonwealth Games history. special preview of the Athletes’ Village in Glasgow’s East End, giving them a first The track testing is aimed at ensuring glimpse of where the 6,500 athletes and Athletes get Hampden Park can successfully be officials coming to Scotland in two years’ Village preview transformed from a football stadium to an time will be calling home. athletics one at Glasgow 2014 and the first first time in 2014, swimmer Ross Muir and athlete to offer his approval was Scotland’s Designed with input from athletes, the long-jumper Jade Nimmo. Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Village will be right on the doorstep of Celtic Chris Baillie. Park, venue for the Opening Ceremony and Rhona, who is the athlete representative the new Emirates Arena incorporating the on the Glasgow 2014 Board, was impressed Sprint hurdler Baillie donned his spikes spectacular Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. with how far the Village has progressed for a test run and pronounced himself The location and proximity to key venues since the start of construction last year. impressed with a surface that, once the further demonstrates Glasgow 2014’s final selection of track is made, will be commitment to making this a truly athlete Rhona Simpson, Scotland’s most-capped raised almost 2m above ground level at centred and sport focused Games. hockey player, said: “The focus at the Hampden. Organising Committee is to ensure the Former Scottish hockey player Rhona Athletes’ Village provides the comfort Baillie, whose success came at Melbourne Simpson, who has stayed in the Athletes’ and convenience needed by today’s 2006 and is targeting Glasgow 2014, said: Village at three Commonwealth Games performance athletes. The development is ‘I was expecting it to be a bit bouncy, but and two Olympic Games, was invited to the still in construction but with ‘Two Years to it’s really stable. I thought it would be more East End site to see how the Village was Go’ until the Games, it’s fantastic to witness like an indoor track with a bit of give in it, taking shape. Rhona was joined by two how well the Village is progressing and to but it feels like a really quick track. young athletes who aim to experience the learn more about the venue that will be atmosphere of an Athletes’ Village for the home to the athletes in 2014.” “The main thing is that it’s uniform the whole way round and the same for everybody. Being a sprinter, I like tracks to Key dates 2012/2013 be hard, which this one is. There doesn’t Jon Doig shortlisted seem to be any problems with it at all. 15 December 2012 2014 Sport specific selection policy and “We’re all used to Hampden as a football standards complete venue, but I’m sure it will look unbelievable 11 March 2013 Commonwealth Day – QBR as an athletics stadium with a full crowd. “ Launch & ‘Sport Your Trainers’ Ian McKenzie, head of venue development 15 April 2013 Team Scotland selection at Glasgow 2014, is satisfied with testing as period begins the final decision on track construction is 23 May 2013 CGS AGM, Stirling made. He predicts the Games in July 2014 could be a benchmark moment for other 14-16 August 2013 CGF General Assembly, world-class events. Glasgow October 2013 First athlete selections Track gets the thumbs announced up from Chris CGS CEO, Jon Doig was shortlisted as Administrator of the Year, at the November 2013 Commonwealth Games Sports Awards Dinner prestigious 2012 Commonwealth Sports Awards held in Trinidad 28 November 2013 CGS half yearly meeting, Stirling & Tobago. He was up against former CGF President Mike Fennell and Thomas Dorsett from Dominica. Commenting Jon said: “Congratulations to Mike Fennell who was the worthy winner, after years of extensive service to the Federation. I feel very honoured to have been shortlisted.”

Photo credits: SNS; Tennis Scotland; Duncan McEwan; Ian McNicol; Donald McIntosh; Leslie Roy; Ideal Images; Glasgow 2014;

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

MAJOR SUPPORTER: twitter.com/team_Scotland