countdown issue 18

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Those athletes benefiting from this new initiative are: ATHLETICS BADMINTON Tom Holligan (17) £900 Zoey Clark (17) £1000 Kirsty Gilmour (18) £950 BOXING Charlie Flynn (18) £800 Mark McKeown (17) £1000 Kieran Smith (18) £1000 SWIMMING CYCLING Craig Benson (17) £1000 Emily Jones (16) £1000 Grant Ferguson (18) £850 count d wn COMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND NEWSLETTER ISSUE 18 – SPRING 2012 This is a new source of additional athlete support funding which is being administered by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust, following support from a private individual impressed by the potential of Scotland’s young athletes. Support is available for up to 12 prospective Commonwealth Games athletes under the age of 26 towards their preparation for events leading up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond. Athletes have been selected based on their performance at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. Whilst the award is made for an initial one year period, an in principle commitment is made for a further two years, giving the athletes greater security and allowing them to focus fully on their training and competition. Care has also been taken to ensure that this funding provides an enhanced level of support and does not duplicate funding awarded by other providers. Six of the athletes awarded, won medals at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, and all of them have demonstrated success at junior national and international level, coupled with the potential to go on to represent Scotland at future Games. The funding will be put to a range of good uses, but focused on helping with living costs and special dietary requirements, purchasing kit and equipment, assisting with travel costs to training and competition or even for areas of personal development. Welcoming the new initiative, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “We are truly indebted to this individual who has recognised the potential that so many of our young athletes in Scotland have. It is fantastic that he has personally stepped forward to support a number of them on an ongoing basis in order to help secure their sporting future. This is a crucial time in their development when it would be easy for external factors such as cost to influence their decision whether to quit, or continue and flourish in their chosen sport. New support scheme recognises potential “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 Commonwealth Youth Games, 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.” Fellow swimmer Emily Jones added: “To receive this funding is a great boost for me. I know I have the full support of my family, but to know that there is support of this kind from an organisation is incredible, it means that others have the belief in my abilities, and this will make me even more determined than ever to succeed and achieve my goals.” With a ten year commitment given to the PHM Scholarship Support Fund this is great news for Scottish athletes. A targeted new initiative was launched by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust at the end of February, which saw nine young athletes receive awards up to £1000 from the PHM Scholarship Support Fund in recognition of their potential. Craig Benson celebrates Youth Games success

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The Commonwealth Games Scotland Newsletter

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Page 1: Countdown Issue 18

Those athletes benefiting from this new initiative are:

ATHLETICS BADMINTON

Tom Holligan (17) £900

Zoey Clark (17) £1000

Kirsty Gilmour (18) £950

BOXING

Charlie Flynn (18) £800

Mark McKeown (17) £1000

Kieran Smith (18) £1000

SWIMMING CYCLING

Craig Benson (17) £1000

Emily Jones (16) £1000

Grant Ferguson (18) £850

countd wnCOMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND NEWSLETTER ISSUE 18 – SPRING 2012

This is a new source of additional athlete support funding which is being administered by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust, following support from a private individual impressed by the potential of Scotland’s young athletes.

Support is available for up to 12 prospective Commonwealth Games athletes under the age of 26 towards their preparation for events leading up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond. Athletes have been selected based on their performance at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Whilst the award is made for an initial one year period, an in principle commitment is made for a further two years, giving the athletes greater security and allowing them to focus fully on their training and competition. Care has also been taken to ensure that this funding provides an enhanced level of support and does not duplicate funding awarded by other providers.

Six of the athletes awarded, won medals at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games,

and all of them have demonstrated success at junior national and international level, coupled with the potential to go on to represent Scotland at future Games.

The funding will be put to a range of good uses, but focused on helping with living costs and special dietary requirements, purchasing kit and equipment, assisting with travel costs to training and competition or even for areas of personal development.

Welcoming the new initiative, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “We are truly indebted to this individual who has recognised the potential that so many of our young athletes in Scotland have. It is fantastic that he has personally stepped forward to support a number of them on an ongoing basis in order to help secure

their sporting future. This is a crucial time in their development when it

would be easy for external factors such as cost to influence their decision whether to quit, or continue and flourish in their chosen sport.

New support scheme recognises potential

“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 Commonwealth Youth Games, 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.” Fellow swimmer Emily Jones added: “To receive this funding is a great boost for me. I know I have the full support of my family, but to know that there is support of this kind from an organisation is incredible, it means that others have the belief in my abilities, and this will make me even more determined than ever to succeed and achieve my goals.”

With a ten year commitment given to the PHM Scholarship Support Fund this is great news for Scottish athletes.

A targeted new initiative was launched by the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust at the end of February, which saw nine young athletes receive awards up to £1000 from the PHM Scholarship Support Fund in recognition of their potential.

Craig Benson celebrates Youth Games success

Page 2: Countdown Issue 18

Gold Coast comes out on top for 2018

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Sports programme changes augur well for ScotlandFollowing the year long review of the Sports Programme which concluded at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts & Nevis last November, a number of welcome changes were introduced. Those in place for Glasgow 2014 include:

The re-introduction of two bronze medals for Wrestling and Judo.

The para-sport programme was increased from 15 to 20 events across Athletics, Cycling, Lawn Bowls, Powerlifting and Swimming. These events include tandem cycling events in which Ayrshire’s Aileen McGlynn and Aberdonian Neil Fachie are current Paralympic and World medallists and there is a welcome return for a disability triples Lawn Bowls event in which Scotland last competed and won gold in 2002.

Further changes were also made and will apply to the 2018 Games and beyond.

The women’s shooting programme was amended to make the events equitable with the men. This is great news for Scotland, and Jen McIntosh may now have the opportunity to defend the women’s smallbore prone title she won in 2010, as well as the smallbore 3 position.

Triathlon – a team event comprising two men and two women was added as an optional event.

Three women’s events in Boxing were added. An eight team women’s Rugby 7s tournament has been

added as an optional event. Open Water Swimming was added as an optional discipline.

Since November, discussions have been taking place between Glasgow 2014 and the CGF about which if any of the other changes

they may be able to adopt in the sports programme for 2014.

In the vote to decide the host city for the 2018 Games the Gold Coast Australia beat Hambantota, Sri Lanka by 43 votes to 27.

The Games will take place in April 2018 and will include: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Wrestling.

Bid Chairman Mark Stockwell and CEO Mark

Peters have now been appointed to the equivalent positions in the newly formed Organising Committee.

Congratulating the Gold Coast, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “We are confident that Gold Coast City will stage a fabulous Games, reflecting their own sporting culture and heritage, whilst continuing to strengthen the Games brand. We look forward to working with them as the host city after Glasgow.”

This decision will now allow CGS to start to form its initial plans for Team Scotland’s participation.

It was also confirmed that the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in St Lucia, the first time a Commonwealth Games event has been held in the Caribbean since Jamaica 1966.

CGF UPDATE

New leader at the helm for CGFAfter 17 years continuous service as President of the CGF, The Honorable Mike Fennell OJ CD of Jamaica stood down at the General Assembly. He is succeeded by CGF vice-president, HRH Tunku Imran from Malaysia who stood unopposed, as did Scotland’s Louise Martin CBE who was elected for a fourth term as Honorary Secretary.

In a visit to Glasgow in January to review progress towards 2014, CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh had the opportunity to welcome the Prince in his new official capacity.

Tunku Imran has taken swift action to ensure the future of the CGF and has appointed pmplegacy to undertake a comprehensive and independent Strategic Review of the organisation. The objective of the Review is to provide a framework for the future development of the CGF. It will consider the organisation’s vision and objectives, governance, management and funding, as well as branding and communications. Following extensive stakeholder consultation, the findings of the Review will be reported at the CGF General Assembly in Uganda in September. Commenting Tunku Imran said: “This is a very exciting time for the CGF. We recognise the many challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth Games movement and this review provides a critical opportunity to re-assess our long term vision and objectives and ensure our activities remain relevant and sustainable going forward.”

HRH Prince Imran with CGS Chairman Michael Cavanagh on a visit to Glasgow in January

Page 3: Countdown Issue 18

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General Selection Policy in placeFollowing extensive consultation with the performance directors of the 17 sports on the 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. This is the earliest that the General Selection Policy has been in place, ensuring all athletes in Scotland with the aspiration and potential to compete in Glasgow 2014 know at the earliest possible time exactly what they must do to make the team. Over the last three Games cycles, Team Scotland has had increasing success, largely as a result of a robust, clear, consistent selection policy and a strong Team Scotland ethos. This approach will continue, providing every opportunity to enhance individual performances and building 17 sports into one team. Following a commitment made at the 2011 CGS AGM, the two aims of the updated policy are to ensure that Scotland selects a team that performs with distinction in 2014, achieving its highest ever number of medals and highest number of gold medals, whilst maximising the opportunity of a home Games. Amongst the key elements of the policy are:

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 placeThe 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 made up of an extremely experienced group of individuals 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.

*Village staff to be confirmed

Team Scotland 2014 preparations well under wayWith 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.

New Team logoA new Team Scotland logo to mark the team’s participation in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has been unveiled recently.

Designed by Tangent, It retains the Team Scotland wordmark and CGS thistle graphic whilst incorporating elements of the Glasgow 2014 logo and wordmark using the subtle, flowing lines of the sport pictograms.

The new logo will be used across the range of promotional materials and will be proudly worn on kit by all those selected to represent Team Scotland in 2014.

Jon DoigChef de Mission

Niall ElliottHead of Medical Services

Elinor MiddlemissGeneral Team Manager

Lindsay ThomsonDeputy Head of Medical Services/ Head Physiotherapist

Leslie RoyDeputy General Team Manager, Transport and Logistics

Katriona BushHead of Media & PR

Page 4: Countdown Issue 18

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AthleticsIt 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

under-17 record.

The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games took place in the Isle of Man from 7-13 September, with Scotland returning home with an impressive 22 medals (five gold, six silver and 11 bronze) to finish sixth on the medal table. 19 athletes contributed to the final total, which shows there is a depth of exciting young talent coming through the ranks.

Aside from the medals, each and every one of Scotland’s athletes performed exceptionally well and will take away some important lessons from the Games, as well as some

BadmintonScotland’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.

lifelong memories. The Commonwealth Youth Games are all about offering development opportunities for athletes and staff, and the whole team

undoubtedly benefited from the experience.

With around 25% of previous Youth Games athletes going on to represent Scotland at the

senior Games, we will undoubtedly see more of these young athletes over the coming years. In the meantime we look back on the three days of competition in the Isle of Man.

Kirsty Gilmour

Tom Holligan

Youth Team Scotland perform strongly in Isle of Man

Page 5: Countdown Issue 18

BoxingUp 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,

but lost out, meaning they came home with three silver medals. Charlie and

Grant came incredibly close to taking gold, with a single point deciding their

respective contests.

5

GymnasticsScotland’s six gymnasts lined up in the team all-around competitions on the opening day with the women finishing fourth and the men fifth. This qualified each of the athletes for individual events over the weekend.

SwimmingScotland’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 Josh Booth, Ali Stirling and Mark Szaranek.

Emily Jones was the most medalled female athlete at the Games, winning three bronze in the 400m individual medley, 100m breaststroke and 4x200m freestyle relay along with Fiona Donnelly, Kirstin McKinley and Rachel Sharples.

Fiona Donnelly, Charlotte McKenzie, Ali Stirling and Mark Szaranek all won individual bronze medals to complete the impressive total from the pool. Swimming also threw up one of the most exciting moments of the Games when Fiona Donnelly and Emily Jones finished in a dead heat in 400m individual medley to share the bronze medal.

Rugby 7sIn the pool matches, Scotland won against the Isle of Man and Canada before losing out to Australia, who topped the group. The boys put in a convincing performance in the semi-final against Sri Lanka to set up a quarter-final against England. Despite playing well, England prevailed and went on to win the competition, leaving Scotland to face Australia once more in the bronze medal match. In an agonisingly close game the Aussies came out on top 15-12, with Scotland finishing in fourth place.

Douglas Ross

Emily JonesCraig Benson

Douglas Ross excelled in the men’s vault final to win gold. He finished with a score of 14.825, which was enough to see off some strong competition.

CyclingThere was a host of World and European champions competing in the three cycling disciplines at the Youth Games, but Scotland’s athletes Grant Ferguson, Stuart McCluskey, Taylor 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.

Many thanks to our hosts in the Isle of Man for organising such a great Commonwealth Youth Games. We now look forward to Samoa in 2015 after which it will move in the calendar to be held in the year prior to a main Games, in 2017 in St Lucia.

Shannon Archer, Carly Smith and Cara Kennedy

Grant FergusonMark McKeown

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

Page 6: Countdown Issue 18

ELITEThe Commonwealth’s best athletes: performance, competition, stars, records, results

ELECTRICThe host city bursts into life with welcoming volunteers, full stadia, packed live sites

ESSENTIALAn enormous reputational boost for the city, creating jobs and opportunities

Key messaging

HEAVILY SUSBCRIBED VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME

A RAMPANT, ELECTRIC CITY AT

GAMES TIME

PACKED STADIA

Campaign goals

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I have had an amazing first six months in post, immersing myself in the Commonwealth Games brand, learning from all those who were involved in the inspiring bid campaign, and developing the strategies – or as we call it, ‘The Game Plan’ - which will put us in the best possible position to ensure full stadia, a record-breaking volunteer recruitment drive and a welcoming, electric atmosphere at Games Time.

We’ve been working hard with a number of our Games Partners and stakeholders, developing an inspiring narrative that will engage our many and varied audiences with the Games. And what an incredible story we have to tell: Scotland’s largest-ever sporting and cultural event, Scotland’s biggest ever peace-time citizen recruitment drive for our volunteer programme, a predicted TV audience of in excess of 1 billion people for our spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the unique tradition of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which will visit all 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

It’s thrilling to play a part in developing the campaigns which will introduce and reveal each of these wonderful initiatives to our audiences, at home and abroad, in the near future. With just over two years to go until the Opening Ceremony, it is understandable that many of our campaigns thus far have focused on our corporate messages, building confidence

Glasgow 2014’s Head of Marketing, Martin Reynolds, discusses

‘The Game Plan’

in the Games and the lasting benefits they aim to bring to the people and businesses of Glasgow and Scotland. It’s a strategy that’s working, with reassuring levels of approval and awareness according to our tracking research.

We’ve also been focused on galvanising this support at a grass-roots level, slowly building our databases of fans and supporters. As I write, we have just passed the 60,000 fans milestone on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Glasgow2014),

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 London 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 Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

But Summer 2012 is a Game-changing moment. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provide an unprecedented opportunity for us, and there are ambitious plans – many directly and kindly supported by LOCOG thanks to the MoU that exists between the two Organising Committees - to signpost Glasgow 2014

during and just after this historic event.

As the fireworks draw to a close, it is Glasgow and Scotland’s moment. We will launch our official Games mascot almost immediately afterwards, designed and won as part of a design competition delivered with BBC Scotland and Blue Peter. It will be the lead personality in the run-up to the Games, the centerpiece of our youth engagement programme, and embark on a tour of Scotland throughout the Autumn. Soon after, we begin to promote our Volunteer programme, the applications for which open in January 2013. Our ticketing campaign will launch in Summer 2013, just before we open applications to carry the Queen’s Baton through the villages, towns and cities of Scotland on its historic journey to the Opening Ceremony.

The team at Commonwealth Games Scotland, as well as Scotland’s active and supportive network of sports governing bodies and national organisations, play an essential role in the development and success of these campaigns. We

rely heavily on their experience, technical insight, promotional channels and close relationships with the athletes, the stars of the show, who help us tell our story.

It’s a collaborative working model that is already delivering results, and makes me relish the exciting moments and major milestones that lie ahead.

thanks in large part to Sport Your Trainers – a nationwide engagement campaign to encourage people to ditch their normal footwear and sport their trainers in celebration of the Games on Commonwealth Day.

Glasgow 2014 on facebook

Scotland middle distance runner Claire Gibson and sprinter Kim Crawford from St Kitts &

Nevis sport their trainers at the Kelvin Hall

Page 7: Countdown Issue 18

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Bankier named sportsperson of the yearAt the Commonwealth Games Dinner in Glasgow in October, there was recognition for a number of the nation’s top sportsmen and 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 Chris Adcock (England).

The badminton star was up against some strong competition for the award, with world medallist swimmer Hannah Miley and junior world champion cyclist John Paul named as runners-up.

Team of the YearYouth 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 job in the Isle of Man and had a great introduction to the Commonwealth Games that will undoubtedly benefit them and Team Scotland in the future. Many of them will now have their sights firmly set on Glasgow 2014.”

Awards and recognition for top Scots

Sir Peter Heatly at the heart of 2014

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 Auckland 1950, Vancouver 1954 and Cardiff 1958 before going on to become Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) from 1982 to 1990. The self-taught diver from Leith 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 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.

Front Row: Catlin Pringle, Kieran Smith, Stuart McCluskey and Douglas Ross. Back Row: Presenter Neil Lennon, Vicky Strange, Tom Holligan, Elinor Middlemiss and Robert Bell

Page 8: Countdown Issue 18

To ensure that an athlete focus remains at the core of the organisation’s thinking and planning, CGS has appointed former shooter and multiple Commonwealth Games medallist Susan Jackson, as the Athlete Representative who attends the Board meetings.

Completing the line-up, Joan Watt has been appointed as Honorary Medical Adviser for a third term.

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

Already voted in as an executive director at the AGM, Peter Nicolson has now been appointed as the new Finance Director, following a previous successful term as Treasurer. His executive director post has been filled by Leslie Roy for a two year term.

Joining the Board as Director of Corporate Governance is Professor Leigh Robinson, an international expert in sport governance and management at the University of Stirling.

Scottish athletes across many of the 17 Commonwealth Games sports are busy competing for selection for the London 2012 Olympic Games. If the

recent amazing display by the legendary Sir Chris Hoy in the fabulous new state of the art velodrome is anything to go

by, it is going to be an exciting summer of sport for Scots on Team GB. It also serves to build the anticipation for a

home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Good luck to all our athletes

looking to make Team GB. We look forward to following your progress,

cheering you on and applying lessons learnt in Glasgow in 2014.

Liz was involved in both the 1970 and 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, as a member of the medical team which set up and ran the Games medical facilities.

Having previously worked with both Scottish and British Athletics she was delighted to be chosen to go to Victoria in 1994 as one of the two medical officers for the Scottish Team. This was followed in 1998 by her appointment

As Honorary Medical Adviser in the preparations for the Kuala Lumpur Games and attending those Games

as Head Doctor. She was also one of the general team staff at the Village in Edinburgh for the inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games in 2000.

Liz was very involved in the then fledgling discipline of Sports Medicine and served as Chair of the British Association of Sports Medicine, Scottish Branch.

She made a significant contribution to the management of medical services at Commonwealth Games and certainly left her personal mark on the sports medicine profession of Scotland and the UK and will be greatly missed.

A tribute to Dr. Elizabeth McSwan 1939 – 2012

It is with great sadness that CGS learnt of the death of Dr Elizabeth McSwan in February.

Key dates 201231 May CGS Annual General Meeting,

University of Stirling Management Centre

27 Jul – 12 Aug London 2012 Olympic Games

29 Aug – 9 Sep London 2012 Paralympic Games

28 Sep CGF General Assembly, Kampala, Uganda

15 Dec 2014 Sports Specific Selection Standards complete

Photo credits: Rebecca Lee, Glasgow 2014, Duncan McEwan, Ideal Images, Mark Shearman, Gold Coast 2018, Sunday Mail

Scotland benefits from intern programme This spring, CGS will benefit from the CGF’s Intern programme organised by Commonwealth Games Canada. We would like to welcome Colin Whitmee from Antigonish, Nova Scotia who will take up a placement with us between April and July 2012. Colin will provide support for sport administration activities and in particular the implementation of the Games Management software program Zeus. Colin is a former CIS varsity soccer player and has worked and volunteered for a variety of sport organizations, including Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada and the Ottawa Senators.

CGS Board expandedFollowing 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.

Jane Gotts has been appointed as Director of Marketing and Communication. Jane is International Director of Scottish Council for Development and Industry as well as Programme Director of BusinessClub Scotland.

Paul Bush OBE has been appointed as the fourth non-executive Director. Chief Operating Officer for Event Scotland, Paul was General Team Manager for Team

Scotland in 2002, Chef de Mission in 2006 and was Director of Scotland House in 2010.

Good luck for 2012!