countdwn COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES SPECIAL EDITION SEPTEMBER 2011 50-strong: Youth Team Scotland head for Isle of Man Members of the team with CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh and Louise Martin, Chair of sportscotland In August, against the imposing backdrop of the Wallace Congratulating the team, Michael Monument in Stirling, Commonwealth Games Scotland Cavanagh, Chairman of CGS said: “l (CGS) announced the 50 athletes selected to represent am confident that we have selected an Youth Team Scotland at the fourth Commonwealth Youth outstanding team to compete in the Isle Games in the Isle of Man 7-12 September 2011. of Man, and competition for the limited number of places has been fierce. A concept created by Scotland in 2000, athletes who compete and win medals in “Whilst winning medals is important, and designed as an effective vehicle the Isle of Man will go on to compete with the major benefit of the Commonwealth for developing young athletes and distinction for Scotland at Glasgow 2014 Youth Games is the opportunity it gives giving them an early experience of an and beyond. to expose young athletes to this level of international multi-sport environment, international competition in a multi- the Commonwealth Youth Games has a Isle of Man 2011 is the first time the Youth sport environment. It is also the first great track record of uncovering future Games have been held in one of the smaller time that athletes experience being part champions at senior level, Commonwealth nations, in line with the of Team Scotland and the strong team and Scotland is no Commonwealth Games Federation’s policy ethos we engender. exception. To date to target countries unlikely to be able to 47 Scottish athletes host the senior Games. With a maximum “I am sure we will see a number of these from a total of 200 of 1000 athlete places available and 69 new faces emerge again in Glasgow in have progressed of the 71 Commonwealth countries set to 2014 when the next Commonwealth from the youth take part, each country was allocated a Games are held in Scotland. I wish them to the senior fixed number of places and qualification every success as they embark on their Commonwealth standards were set accordingly in Commonwealth Games journey and I Games Team, conjunction with each of the sports’ look forward to cheering them on.” with 11 going on to win governing bodies. a total of 18 medals for Scotland. The athletes, aged between 13-18 years, will compete for Scotland in all seven sports It is anticipated on the programme, with many entering that this positive multiple events: Athletics (9), Badminton trend will continue and a (4), Boxing (5), Cycling (4), Gymnastics (6), significant number of the 50 Rugby 7s (12), Swimming (10). Grant Ferguson Becoming part of our team There was considerable excitement when all the athletes gathered at the University of Stirling for the team announcement, followed by the Youth Team Scotland team camp. With their places now confirmed, it was time for athletes to focus on final preparations for their biggest sporting competition to date. The two-day team camp gave them the a Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010; Kimberley Reed chance to mix with competitors from the and two members of the newly formed seven different sports and get a feel for full-time Scotland Rugby 7s squad Adam what it means to be part of a multi-sport Ashe and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne. A number team. There were full briefing sessions of athletes are also fresh from success on what to expect at the Games, as well representing Great Britain at European and as workshops on medical and anti-doping World junior and youth events including in education and use of social media, as well athletics Tom Holligan, Nick Percy, Zoey as fun team building activities. Clark and Kimberley Reed, swimmers Craig Benson, Gareth Mills, Emily Jones and Mark The highlight for many was collecting Szaranek and cyclist Grant Ferguson, whilst their Youth Team Scotland kit, a tangible the boxers have taken on the best of British symbol of the first time they will represent at the GB Youth Amateur Championships Team Scotland in a multi-sport Games and and acquitted themselves well with hopefully a taste of things to come. lightweight, Charlie Flynn winning gold. Shaun MacDonald and Adam Ashe Amongst the team members keen After the athletes voted to select to collect their kit were gymnast the flagbearer for the Games, the Shannon Archer who at just 13 programme concluded years of age is the youngest with Commonwealth team member; badminton Games and Youth Games player Kirsty Gilmour who is the swimming medallist only athlete who has Todd Cooper giving an already attended athlete’s view of the Games and how special it is to be part of the team. Shannon Archer 2 Tom Holligan Louise Martin CBE, Cheering you on Chair of sportscotland As Chair of sportscotland I would like to extend many congratulations Shona Robison MSP, on your selection for the 2011 Minister for Commonwealth Commonwealth Youth Games team. Games and Sport It is fantastic to see the wealth of young talent we have in Scotland, representing every corner of our As Minister for Commonwealth Games proud nation. and Sport I would like to congratulate all the athletes on their selection for The selection standards across the seven sports are high, and all Youth Team Scotland and wish you of you have demonstrated your ability in a number of national and every success when you compete in international competitions over the past few months to secure the 4th Commonwealth Youth Games your place on the team. The Commonwealth Youth Games offers in the Isle of Man. you an early opportunity to experience a multi-sport Games and meet fellow athletes from across the Commonwealth. Your selection to compete in the Youth Games is a tremendous achievement; and you have demonstrated outstanding effort sportscotland is committed to the development of high and dedication in pursuit of personal excellence so early in your performance sport in Scotland through our investment in sporting life. governing bodies of sport, and Commonwealth Games Scotland. We fully endorse the important role that the Youth Games plays With the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow less than three in the development of young athletes, which is why we provided years away, the Youth Games is an exciting concept and provides Lottery funding to help deliver the inaugural Games in Edinburgh an excellent opportunity to compete in a multi-sport international in 2000. event, gaining experience and building the confidence needed to take the step up to senior events when the time is right. You are At the Commonwealth Youth Games, Scotland has a good track the talent of the future. record of success in terms of medals won, but more importantly we can see there are a significant number of athletes who go on to The Scottish Government, through sportscotland, is proud to compete at the senior Commonwealth Games and Olympics. You support Scotland’s athletes and sports governing bodies by only need to look back to Delhi last year where eight former Youth providing financial and technical assistance to help our athletes Games athletes came home with a medal and I hope this spurs you and coaches perform at the highest level. on to similar success. I wish you every success at the Youth Games, winning medals I hope you will enjoy the experience of being part of Youth Team or reaching personal bests. I hope you enjoy the special Scotland and that you make many new friendships along the atmosphere and experience and you are able to make new and way. I also hope it gives you renewed determination to go on to lasting friendships with other young athletes from across the compete and win medals for Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Commonwealth of nations. Games in Glasgow and beyond. Good luck to Youth Team Scotland and I look forward to being in I wish you all the very best of luck in the Isle of Man. the Isle of Man to cheer you on. Passing on the baton... Jennifer McIntosh, Commonwealth Games double gold Josh Taylor, Commonwealth and bronze medallist, Delhi 2010 and Youth Games silver Games silver medallist, Delhi medallist, Pune 2008 2010 and Youth Games bronze Pune was the first multi-sport event I’d gone to and medallist, Pune 2008 it gave me the experience of being part of a broader Seeing the team selected for team with athletes from other sports and being around this year’s Commonwealth other countries and that helped a lot when I went to the Youth Games in the Isle of Man, Commonwealth Games in Delhi. I kept a diary with my has brought back some great training notes. I recorded what was challenging, how I memories for me. I competed coped and what I’d have done differently. I would advise other athletes to do at the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, that when they go to the Isle of Man. India in 2008 and it was a fantastic experience. Hannah Miley, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, If I could offer one piece of advice to the team Delhi 2010 and Youth Games multi-medallist, Bendigo heading to the Isle of Man, I’d just say to try and 2004 enjoy the experience as much as possible. The I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Commonwealth atmosphere in the camp in Pune was brilliant, and Youth Games at Bendigo in 2004. It is such a great I would encourage everyone to get involved and opportunity when you are a young athlete to be part of a make the most of what is a fantastic opportunity.