COMMONWEALTH GAMES NEWSLETTER ISSUE 20 – SUMMER 2013

AIMING TO MAKE YOUR TEAM!

and standards and we thank the governing which aims to raise the awareness of Team bodies for their support. We have also been Scotland and enable the public to get to Chairman’s view working closely with the sportscotland know who will be representing them in institute of sport through a joint planning . The athletes greatly value the 2013 is a crucial year for group and the ‘Mission 2014’ process, support of their family and friends, but to Scotland which is essential in ensuring every aspect know that they have the additional backing (CGS) as all the plans and of the performance plans are as good from the Scottish public would mean a preparations for Team as they can be and that no stone is left huge amount, just as it did for Team GB in unturned. London last year. Scotland’s participation at Glasgow 2014 start 15 April was a key marker for us, when the We urge everyone across the length to take shape and selection period opened for most sports and breadth of the swing into action. and already we are seeing some excellent country to actively performances from athletes rising to the support us in There has been extensive challenge and delivering results which will our quest for consultation with all take them a step closer to booking their medal success the 17 sports on place on the team. in Glasgow the programme and share our to finalise the It was also with great excitement that we journey to the selection policies launched our ‘Go Scotland!’ campaign Games!

Michael Cavanagh and an extra £1 million Scottish Government funding this year for elite sport. Team Scotland will be the strongest and best prepared team possible and I want to see everyone in Scotland get behind all of our athletes and sign up for the Go Scotland! campaign. Together we can boost Team Scotland to win gold and deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games.”

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “It’s a really exciting time for sport in Scotland and this Key Games partners celebrate the Go Scotland! launch with athletes and some enthusiastic Glasgow schoolchildren campaign launch represents another significant milestone on the road to Glasgow.

“The sportscotland institute of sport Go Scotland! coaches, experts, and scientists work very closely with Scotland’s high performance The clear aim for Team Scotland is to have its largest and most successful team athletes and, consequently, they are as well ever in Glasgow. With many of our athletes having experienced first-hand the prepared as they ever have been going into excitement of a home Olympic Games in London last year, CGS is planning to a Commonwealth Games. All of Scotland replicate that national feel good factor here in Scotland. will be fully behind our athletes, and it will be an incredible experience for them to compete in front of a home crowd.” To start the build-up to the Games for Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, the Team Scotland, in April CGS launched its theme of the photographs is about sport David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of new public engagement campaign ‘Go meeting culture, which will be reflected Glasgow 2014, said: “The passion and Scotland!’ The campaign aims to raise the in 2014 through the extensive cultural enthusiasm of home support for Team awareness of the 17 sports in the Games festival that is being organised as part Scotland will be a defining element of a and give greater profile to the athletes of the Commonwealth Games and which successful Commonwealth Games for aiming for selection to the team. It’s also will showcase Glasgow’s international Glasgow and Scotland. calling for the whole of Scotland to get reputation as a cultural as well as sporting behind the team by pledging their support centre of excellence. This is a real opportunity for people in at goscotland.org and through social communities across Scotland to start media channels. The group shot (see front cover) shows the connecting with a new generation of full range of sports in the Games and the home-grown sporting heroes and heroines To mark the occasion a special edition strength and unity of the team. Each of and share the journey with them towards set of athlete images were published, the individual photos links the athlete and success at our home Games.” showing prospective Team Scotland their sport to an exhibit or the architecture athletes in a different and unusual light, in Kelvingrove, drawing out the parallels as they have never been seen before. between the two either in terms of the Taken at the magnificent Kelvingrove movement involved or key attributes of Rebecca Bee – Beautifully the sport. They aim to create a talking poised to make your team Craig Benson – Racing fast to make your team point and everyone will have their own favourite!

Calling for people to back the campaign, Sport Minister Shona Robison said: “This is an exciting time for Team Scotland and all Scottish athletes who have been in training for the Games for years – now it’s crunch time. The Team has all the ingredients to succeed next year, with outstanding facilities, high 2 standards of coaching Libby Clegg, Para-Sport – Serious sprinting to make your team

Boxer Scott Forest signs autographs with children from St Fillan’s Primary School. Team Scotland under starter’s orders Joining the athletes were children from St Fillan’s Primary School in Glasgow. Earlier Scotland’s athletes are now under starter’s orders for Glasgow 2014, with the in the year they had produced Go Scotland! official Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) selection period to qualify for banners for their own Commonwealth Team Scotland opening at the start of April 2013. Games festival. They brought the colourful banners along to cheer on Team Scotland Athletes from the 17 sports on the Games only in terms of medals, but strength in and enjoyed taking part in the photos. They programme will have just over a year to depth. We believe this is a result of robust, were also the very first youngsters to be produce the necessary performances to clear, consistent selection policies and able to collect athlete autographs on the lay claim to a coveted place on the Team. a strong team ethos, underpinned by new Team posters. What makes it even more special is the improved SGB performance planning and fact that the Commonwealth Games is the backed by excellent high performance only multi-sport event where athletes get support from sportscotland. I can confirm to compete for Scotland as a nation in its this approach to selection will continue, own right. so that each athlete selected is assured that their team-mates equally deserve Already there are indications of excellent the honour of representing Scotland at early season form, with more than 40 Glasgow 2014.” To download a free set of athletes in six sports having performed to athlete posters and to show agreed selection standards on at least one The twin aims of the selection policy are to occasion. All performances will be verified, ensure that Scotland selects a team that your support, sign up at following nominations from SGBs, when performs with distinction in 2014, and has www.goscotland.org initial selections are considered by CGS in its most successful Games ever in terms of September. medals won. The key elements are: Search Team Scotland Lawn bowls has already secured their full All individual sports will be quota of 10 able-bodied athlete places, represented by a minimum of three following outstanding medal success at athletes, with the performance target last December’s World Championships. of top eight or top two thirds of the Scotland’s Badminton players also pulled field at recent Commonwealth Games, out all the stops at the Sudirman Cup in whichever is the tighter. May to finish top of their group and 13th All host team sport places will be overall. As a result they have secured accepted, with the performance their minimum three men’s and three target of top eight at the Games. women’s places for the mixed team event Consideration will be given to allow in Glasgow. Also inspired by the lure of a athletes to participate in additional home Games, both men’s and women’s events to those they qualify in. Table Tennis teams have each secured their minimum three team places following semi Sport specific selection standards have and quarter final places at their recent now been published and provide clear Commonwealth Championships. targets for athletes to achieve.

Explaining how the selection policy will For full details of the Team Scotland operate, Commonwealth Games Scotland selection policy and sports specific (CGS) Chief Executive and Team Scotland selection standards go to http://www. Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said: “Competing cgcs.org.uk/glasgow-2014/team- for Scotland at a Commonwealth Games is selection-policies/ a highlight of any athlete’s career and the added opportunity to perform at a home games is a privilege experienced by very few athletes.

“Over the last three games cycles, Team Scotland has had increasing success not 3 contributed to the wider Glasgow 2014 medical services planning. Round-table discussions focused on everything from the Village Polyclinic and medical support in Dundee for the shooting squads at Barry Buddon, to an oversight of the medical volunteer recruitment process.

Outlining the progress made Niall Elliott said: “The Village Polyclinic will be an impressive medical centre, with access to medical specialists, advanced imaging equipment and allied healthcare professionals who will all have significant sports experience. There will also be a centre providing evidence-based recovery Real progress in the Athletes’ Village with accommodation taking shape opportunities.

Management team impressed with Glasgow 2014 visit

Site visits are a critical part of preparing any Commonwealth Games team. They form a key element of our Games planning, enabling operational programmes and policies to be tweaked to fit the unique circumstances of each Games.

Despite the 2014 Games taking place on and the all-important dining hall. Having home soil, management staff from each also heard from the head of catering, I am of the 17 sports, along with General Team confident we can look forward to the high Management and CGS Board members, standard of 24 hour dining required for took the opportunity to familiarise high performance athletes. themselves with the key venue layouts across the city and give feedback to “The interior of the houses will be New hockey stadium close to completion. Organising Committee personnel. furnished with items from London 2012 and in addition we plan to incorporate a “Team Scotland’s own medical and A key focus for many present was the Scottish theme for our accommodation. physiotherapy planning is also progressing ability to conduct an orientation tour of There are good public spaces in the Village well and staff will be meeting soon to the Athletes’ Village and see where Team and its close proximity to the city centre is discuss sports-specific support and Games- Scotland is likely to be living in just over ideal. time roles. Of equal importance on the a year’s time. The scale of the Village, agenda is the Preparation Camp which will its location relative to key venues and “The development is well on track for be supported by high performance experts transport links and the advanced stage completion and will be handed over to from the sportscotland institute of sport.” of preparations impressed many of the Glasgow 2014 in January next year – not team managers. It has also highlighted long to go!” In addition there was an opportunity to a number of options for management inspect the Emirates Arena adjacent to the staff, who can now start designing the Leslie Roy, who got up to speed with the Village and see first-hand the impressive layout and allocations of individual sport’s transport planning said: “Transport is venues where the Track Cycling and accommodation and support service areas. now moving into an exciting stage with Badminton events will be held. The walk contracts for buses and cars close to being back to the Village mirrors the short walk Deputy General Team Manager for the signed. With the sports programme now that athletes will take to and from the Village, Gina Logan was pleased with what finalised, this will enable bus timetables for Opening Ceremony venue of Celtic Park. she saw and said: “During the Games, both training and competition venues to be the accommodation identified by Team planned effectively. Lawn Bowls green looks stunning already, Scotland as its preferred location is on with facility improvements well underway the river bank, near to the transport mall “Planning will also begin to get Team Scotland’s athletes and sports equipment from the Preparation Camp in Stirling to the Commonwealth Games Village in Glasgow and the satellite Village in Dundee/ Carnoustie.

Dr Niall Elliott, Head of Medical Services, along with Lindsay Thomson, Head Physiotherapist have 4 Team staff enjoy the visit to Glasgow 2014 Ernie Hasselsjo, General Manager, Village Operations, briefs Team staff

The afternoon allowed individual sport Fiona McEwan meets baton designers team managers to meet their respective competition managers with the opportunity to ask sport-specific questions. This was followed by additional presentations on Queen’s Baton Relay plans unveiled key functional areas relating to the Village, sport programming, catering, accreditation Over the last few months the initial plans for the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR), the and transport. iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games, have been unveiled. Jon Doig, Chef de Mission, commented: “Whilst CGS has been very close to the The first QBR was staged for the 1958 to the Commonwealth inside. From there, planning process for the Games over Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and has the baton will travel to Glasgow and begin the last 11 years as host CGA, this was us been the curtain raiser to the Games ever its epic worldwide journey. operating in a clear Team Scotland mode. since. It is a tradition unique to the Games Whilst plans and documents are useful, and seeks to unite the two billion citizens 40 days prior to the opening ceremony, there is nothing that compares to being of the Commonwealth in a celebration of CGS will host the Scotland route of the able to see, walk and feel the environment sport, diversity and peace. baton, which starts on 14 June 2014. The we will be performing in next summer. route will be published later in the year, On Commonwealth Day (11 March 2013) including details of a number of special “We have some very experienced staff the international sector route of the QBR community based events. CGS will be not only in their own sport or support was announced. From the plains of Africa recruiting a number of past and future areas, but in terms of their major Games to the gleaming skyscrapers of Singapore; athletes to run with the baton. experience. With Glasgow 2014 now moving from the tiny tropical islands of St Lucia from planning to operational delivery we and Dominica to Canada’s snow-capped Fiona McEwan, Vice Chair of were able to ask pertinent questions and mountains; the baton will travel over land, Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: pass on detailed feedback, to ensure that sea and air around the globe, visiting every “Team Scotland is delighted that the these will be a truly athlete centred and nation and territory of the Commonwealth, Queen’s Baton designers have been sport focused Games which has always including the first ever visit to Rwanda. It announced and we look forward with been our vision. will then come home to Scotland, travelling anticipation and excitement to seeing it the length and breadth of the country on unveiled later this year. “Our ultimate success will be dependent its way to its final destination – the Opening on all 17 sports coming together as one Ceremony. “The Queen’s Baton is the ultimate symbol team and I was delighted with the extensive of the Commonwealth Games and its interaction and camaraderie over the day The baton will cover 190,000km over 248 arrival gives an important signal to the between the sports and support areas, days and will be relayed on its journey by athletes that the Games are just around talking through what they had seen and Emirates, the Official Airline of the QBR and the corner. As the host Commonwealth helping to shape our plans.” an official Partner of Glasgow 2014. Games Association, we urge the Scottish public to fully embrace the event when it CGS will now follow-up with Glasgow 2014 There was further news when Glasgow- makes the final leg of its journey across and important information will be cascaded based product design company 4c Design Scotland to Glasgow next summer. This will down to individual athletes and coaches to were revealed as designers of the Queen’s be a fantastic sign of their support for Team assist in their preparations. Baton. The innovative design culture for Scotland as it embarks on its quest for which the consultancy is celebrated will medal success at Glasgow 2014.” now be applied to this unique commission to produce a confident symbol that will lead But we will all have to wait until 23 July the way to Glasgow 2014. next year to see who will have the honor of carrying the baton on its final lap into the Weighing no more than 2kg, the baton must stadium at the Opening Ceremony! be robust enough to withstand all weathers and various transport modes in order to be in constant working order for the 10-month period of the relay.

The baton will be unveiled later this summer and begins its journey on 9 October from Buckingham Palace when Her Majesty The Queen will place her message 5 Career support scheme Achieve Programme Commonwealth Games Scotland is for sports stars delighted that Search Consultancy has recently committed to support the A pioneering programme aimed at helping professional athletes make the Achieve Programme for the Glasgow transition from top flight sport to successful long-term careers has been 2014 Games as part of its sponsorship launched by Search Consultancy – Glasgow 2014’s Official Recruitment activation plans. Supporter. The programme has been designed to The Athlete Career Enhancement Athletes wishing to secure a place will be enhance the winning potential of Scottish Programme (ACE) has been set up in nominated by their national Commonwealth athletes and coaches on the world order to help competitors bridge the Games Association, with selections taking stage by allowing them to gain critical often difficult gap between sporting and place later this year. In Scotland, CGS will knowledge and experience of a multi-sport mainstream careers. The scheme will work in conjunction with the sportscotland environment. It provides the opportunity support 14 athletes from across the home institute of sport performance lifestyle for aspiring athletes, coaches and mentors nations aspiring to compete in Glasgow team. to attend the Glasgow 2014 Games on a 2014, and match them to work placement special observer programme. opportunities with sponsors and businesses Simone Lockhart, Managing Director of across the UK. Search Consultancy in Scotland, said: It will build on the inaugural scheme that “Search is keen to support and inspire ran successfully in 2010, with a number of Up-and-coming or established competitors, athletes to benefit from exploring future athletes and coaches who took part now in including Para-Sport athletes, aged 18 career paths. Nearly all athletes will have contention for Team Scotland for 2014. years and over are eligible for selection to look at careers away from their sport at to the programme. The scheme will assist some point in their lifetime. However, by Achieve 2014 supported by Search, will sportsmen and women who are keen to applying the things they learn in sport their be officially launched in the autumn and broaden their horizons, develop work career opportunities are almost endless. details of the athlete selection process is and life skills, and explore future career Companies will benefit from their skills too, being discussed with governing bodies. ambitions in parallel with their training and so it really is a win-win for both parties.” competition schedule. Virgin Media goes for gold with Glasgow Strongman meets soft drink 2014 In May, Virgin Media, the UK’s leading Earlier this year, IRN-BRU unveiled a brand new limited edition can to mark communications and entertainment its sponsorship, with the help of Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver company, was unveiled as the latest medallist Peter Kirkbride. Official Partner of Glasgow 2014 and Team Scotland. The company will also further Peter teamed up with Scotland’s other The special design draws on Barr’s support the Games as Presenting Partner national drink to bring the special edition packaging from 1901, when moustachioed of Athletics. design to life near the Clyde Auditorium – Highland strongman, Adam Brown, which will play host to the Glasgow 2014 featured on the original label of ‘IRON Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at weightlifting competition next year. It is the BREW’ as it was then known. It will also Virgin Media, said: “Glasgow 2014 will first in a series of three standout designs help celebrate over a century of A.G. Barr’s bring together the greatest athletes from being created in the run up to the Games. sporting heritage, including early sports across the Commonwealth for one of the sponsorships involving Donald Dinnie, all biggest sporting events ever to take place round Champion Athlete of the World, and in Scotland. With our Home Nation heroes Alex Munro, Champion Caber Tosser of the and international superstars, we’re getting World and Champion Wrestler. behind Glasgow and can’t wait to build on an amazing track record of success.” IRN-BRU’s Head of Marketing, Adrian Troy, said: “IRN-BRU has a proud sporting Welcoming the news, Michael Cavanagh, heritage dating right back to 1901. We’re Chairman of CGS added: “We are delighted bringing that to life through our new limited that Virgin Media has come on board. edition design and with the help of Peter Our track and field athletes are showing Kirkbride – a modern day ‘strongman’. great early season form as they strive We’re extremely excited to be part of for selection and I know just how much what’s set to be an extraordinary event for they are looking forward to competing at Glasgow and the rest of the nation.” Hampden, which is such an iconic venue for Scots. The athletics competition will be world-class and it is fantastic that Virgin Media are also going to be the presenting partner for the one of the most popular sports at the Games.”

6 David Carry, Jonathan Edwards, and Rhona Simpson hoping for big crowds next summer.

is making it as accessible as possible for people to be part of making Glasgow 2014 Affordable ticketing the wonderful celebration of sport that I know it will be.” for all! Commonwealth Games Scotland has also been working closely with Glasgow 2014 to Preparations for the Glasgow ensure that an appropriate athlete’s ‘friends have reached another milestone with the announcement and family’ scheme is in place. of how people can apply for tickets to the Games. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase by competing athletes and The Organising Committee unveiled For high demand sports and sessions that Scottish governing bodies and these will be details of its public ticketing programme are oversold – such as the 100m final – an ordered via CGS. Details on the number of at a briefing in Glasgow on 13 May. independent and computerised draw will tickets available and the application process Commonwealth and Olympic Scottish select the successful applications. will be communicated to SGBs and Sport athletes David Carry and Rhona Simpson Team Managers by CGS during June 2013. were there to support the launch, while It has been stressed that the ticketing Olympic, Commonwealth and World process won’t be a lucky dip - there is champion triple-jumper Jonathan Edwards absolutely no chance of requesting tickets To register for ticketing updates, was also in Glasgow to give the Games his for one sport and receiving tickets to backing. another. Similarly, if someone asks for four visit glasgow2014.com/tickets tickets, they will either be successful or The presence of these distinguished unsuccessful in their application for athletes reinforced the athlete centred, four tickets. They will not sport focused vision for the Games, as well be offered one, two or as highlighting the importance of the home three tickets. crowd. The aim of the ticketing “Having packed stadia and enthusiastic programme is to make crowds is what absolutely makes for an the Games accessible electric atmosphere at competition time to all. Glasgow 2014 – and that can really impact positively on Chairman, Lord Smith performance,” said swimmer David Carry. of Kelvin, said: “We have “I know Scotland’s swimmers will enjoy listened and learnt from the home advantage of a Scottish crowd previous Commonwealth Games as shouting, screaming and supporting.” well as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’ve also Around a million tickets will go on sale from conducted our own research. We’ve 19 August to 16 September, and people will thought long and hard about the be able to apply online at glasgow2014.com pricing, the process by which you’ll or by using the application form provided in buy tickets, but also the way we the Ticketing Guide. Prices start at £15 for communicate.” all sports, with half-price concession tickets available for under-16s and over-60s. Two- The launch met with a positive thirds of tickets to experience the action response, with David Carry and thrills of the Games will be priced at commenting “It is great that the £25 or less. ticketing policy at Glasgow 2014 7 New Board members for CGS

Margaret Ann Fleming, CEO of Scottish Volleyball was voted onto the CGS Board at its AGM in May along with Jackie Davidson from Scottish Golf who was re-elected. Both will now serve a four year term 2013-2017.

Margaret Ann has extensive Digital media board experience within Volleyball both in the UK Jackie Davidson given priority and internationally and is now keen to contribute to CGS’s wider sporting With the growing importance of digital media as an integral part agenda. She has a particular interest in strategy, of any communications campaign, CGS has appointed James policy development and governance issues. She Saker as Digital Media Manager and he will also provide wider was also keen to stress a commitment to some communications support to the organisation. Margaret Ann Fleming of the smaller sports and those not involved in Glasgow 2014. James is a new graduate from the University of Stirling, recently completing an Honours degree in Business Studies and Sports We congratulate them both on their appointment at this exciting Studies. For his dissertation he explored the use of social media time for our organisation. in professional football with clubs including Chelsea, Celtic and , gaining valuable insight and experience which he will now apply first hand to Team Scotland. Key dates 2013/2014 Excited about his new role James explained: “Social media has 23 July ‘1 year to go’ – ticketing brochure launch rapidly grown in the past few years and fits perfectly with a sporting 19 August Tickets go on sale to general public context. It has incorporated the traditional ‘pub’ sport conversation September/October Initial team selection announcements into the online realm and also provides the public with instant 9-10 October Queen’s Baton Relay gets underway access to information, sporting highlights and a look behind the scenes; things that could not previously be accessed with such ease. 9 November Commonwealth Games Awards Dinner, Glasgow

10–11 January (2014) Team Camp, Stirling “Team Scotland will not only be able to connect with fans but 15 May Selection period closes/final nominations also the general public and the ability to engage with them is not 12 June Team Scotland, Glasgow 2014 announced only expected in the social sporting world but also vital in driving 5-6 & 7-23 July Team Camp / Preparation Camp, Stirling support for Team Scotland.

13 July Athletes’ Village opens “The way I see it, I am in the If you are not following or 23 July – 3 August Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games business of noise control and the liking us already search louder the Scottish crowd are in Team Scotland and see the 23 July Opening Ceremony, Celtic Park, Glasgow exciting new developments Glasgow, the more engaging the 3 August Closing Ceremony, Hampden Park, Glasgow we are making in this area. social media platforms have been.”

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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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