Chairman’s viewIt is 10 years since

CGS 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 regard. This is a critical time for us, with many athletes refocusing after London and looking to secure their place on Team Scotland once the selection period opens. Key staff are currently being appointed and regular meetings are being held with Glasgow 2014, the sportscotland institute of sport and the governing bodies across the range of functional areas, as our preparations move full steam ahead. In particular I would like to thank sportscotland for their continued financial investment which makes our day to day operations possible, for their increased performance support to all 17 sports in the Games and for their shared belief in the importance of the Commonwealth Games and the key role it plays in Scotland’s sporting pathway. I would also like to thank all our partners for their continued support and commitment to the success of Team Scotland as we progress towards our home Games in Glasgow. Let’s work together to achieve our biggest and most successful team ever in 2014 and, at the same time, develop a high performance sport structure that will consistently deliver for many Games to come.

countd wnCOMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND NEWSLETTER ISSUE 19 – WINTER 2012/13

Such was the strength of the nominations that judges were unable to choose between Scotland’s greatest Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, and World No. 3 Andy Murray in his first Grand Slam and Olympic medal winning year. Both were named as Scottish Sportsperson of the Year 2012 and jointly awarded the Emirates Lonsdale Trophy. They will receive two Business Class flights to Dubai, courtesy of Award sponsor Emirates – the Official Airline Partner of Glasgow 2014. Also on the shortlist, with outstanding performances that would have won the award in any other year, were rower Katherine Grainger and swimmer Michael Jamieson. More than 350 people from Scottish sport and business joined in the celebrations in Glasgow, including a number of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The dinner, organised by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) in partnership with Glasgow 2014 Ltd., looked back at the incredible success of the London 2012 Olympic Games and contemplated the excitement to come for Scotland over the next two years. Plans to deliver an outstanding Commonwealth Games are progressing rapidly, whilst Scottish athletes are preparing to enter the race for a coveted place on Team Scotland, when the selection period opens in early 2013.

The evening also saw a number of presentations by Scottish Sports Aid, to recognise the achievements of Scottish junior athletes aged between 12–22 years. Five Merit awards were presented to: Lorenzo Chiavarini – Sailing; James Clegg – Paralympic swimming; Douglas Kempsell – Squash; Maia Lumsden – Tennis and Jade Nimmo – Athletics. From the five, two further awards were made, with Maia Lumsden named the Most Improved Junior Sportsperson and James Clegg awarded the Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2012. Congratulations to all the award winners.

Hoy and Murray share top awardAfter an unparalleled year for British and Scottish sport, there was a lot to celebrate at the 2012 Commonwealth Games Awards Dinner in November.

Sir Chris Hoy

Andy Murray with Lonsdale Trophy

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In September the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee finally unveiled the official Mascot for the Commonwealth Games after a UK-wide children’s design competition, which was won by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld. Clyde, is a patriotic and adventurous thistle who will be the friendly face of the Games. Beth’s design was chosen for its Scottish symbolism and Glaswegian charm and likeability. Her entry interpreted this much-loved symbol with a youthful energy – embodied by a cheeky facial expression – and strong, sporty thistle arms and legs. Meeting Clyde at the launch, Olympic and Commonwealth medallist in swimming, Michael Jamieson said: “Clyde is great fun and the perfect Mascot to spread the Glasgow 2014 message across Scotland and the Commonwealth. He’s a true Glaswegian and you can’t help but smile when you’re in his company – I’m sure everyone who meets Clyde will feel the same.

Meet Clyde - the friendly face of Glasgow 2014It was the moment we had all been waiting for!

“The Games being in Glasgow will offer an amazing opportunity to showcase the city and Scotland. It’s incredible to know that world-class athletes from across the Commonwealth will be coming to my home city in 2014 – being able to compete in front of a passionate home crowd at Tollcross will be something truly special.” Clyde will be a significant personality in the run up to and during Games-time. He embarked on a national tour of Scotland straight after the launch and will play a major role in many landmark moments on the journey to the Games. He will also be cheering on Scottish athletes as they compete for places on Team Scotland over the next 18 months.

CGF updateIn late September, CGS Chairman, Michael Cavanagh, Vice Chairman, Fiona McEwan and CEO Jon Doig travelled to Kampala, Uganda for the 2012 Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly.

Top of the agenda was intense discussion around the Strategic Review of the CGF, its operations and future direction. The recommendations in the report, presented by consultants PMP, were generally accepted and will now be taken forward by the CGF Executive Board for further discussion and a decision in February 2013 regarding implementation over the next three years.

The sport programme was once again under the spotlight with a number of key decisions taken affecting the 2014 Games including:

• Entry levels for swimming were confirmed at three per country and shooting entries at two per country.

• Women’s Boxing events have been added to the Commonwealth Games progamme for the first time ever and follows the recent success of the debut of Women’s Boxing at London 2012. There will be medals awarded in the same three weights as in London: Fly Weight (48-51kg), Light Weight (57-60kg) and Middle Weight (69-75kg).

• The CGF Assembly also endorsed changes to the Lawn Bowls competition format, which will now include four medal events for both men and women. This change reflects more closely the formats of world championships conducted by World Bowls. Each county will be able to enter up to five men and five women who will each play in two out of the four events: singles, pairs, triples and fours.

• The number of Parasport events were confirmed as 22, following the addition of two powerlifting events.

All programme changes endorsed by the CGF will be accommodated within Glasgow 2014’s existing sports programme and maintains the forecasted quota of athletes expected to attend the Games.

Also presented to delegates were progress reports from Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018 and Samoa 2015 Youth Games.

Commenting Michael Cavanagh said: “There were many important decisions taken in Kampala which will have a beneficial effect, not only on Glasgow in 2014, but on the future of the Games movement.

“It was particularly gratifying to note the positive reaction to plans for Glasgow 2014 and the general excitement about the Games on the back of the London Olympics. Our hosts in the Uganda CGA put on an outstanding conference and set the bar high for us, when Scotland hosts the next two General Assemblies in 2013 and 2014.”

2012 Commonwealth Games Awards Dinner highlights

Michael Cavanagh & Denise Holmes with Christine Windmill and Alasdair MacLennan collecting the Lonsdale Trophy

Hazel Irvine, Ronnie Sloan and James Clegg, Scottish Sports Aid Winner

Maia Lumsden, Scottish Sports Aid Winner

New bowls format for 2014

Athletes who competed at London 2012 in sports and events which will feature in Glasgow 2014

Athletics: Eilidh Child, Eilish McColgan, Freya Murray, Lee McConnell, Lynsey Sharp, Libby Clegg Badminton: Imogen Bankier, Susan EgelstaffBoxing: Josh TaylorCycling: Neil Fachie, Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Aileen McGlynn, David MillarGymnastics: Daniel PurvisHockey: Laura Bartlett , Emily MaguireJudo: James Austin, Euan Burton, Sarah Clark, Sally Conway, Chris SherringtonShooting: Jonathan Hammond, Jennifer McIntosh Swimming: Craig Benson, David Carry, Michael Jamieson, Caitlin McClatchey, Hannah Miley, Robbie Renwick, Sean FraserWeightlifting: Peter Kirkbride

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The feelings of inspiration and excitement generated will hopefully last for years and with 178 Olympic medals won by Commonwealth athletes, it has certainly given Scotland a taste of what is to come in 2014.

55 Scots were selected for Team GB in 21 different sports and impressive performances resulted in a haul of 13 medals (7 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze), five of which were in sports on the Glasgow 2014 programme. 22 of the team had competed in previous Commonwealth Games with a further three representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games. Congratulations to all the athletes including medallists Sir Chris Hoy - Cycling, Michael Jamieson – Swimming, Daniel Purvis – Gymnastics, Laura Bartlett and Emily Maguire – Hockey.

At the Paralympic Games, 27 Scots were in action for Paralympics GB winning 11 medals (3 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze). Cyclists Neil Fachie, Craig MacLean and Aileen McGlynn will all be hoping to repeat their medal success in Glasgow, alongside sprinter Libby Clegg.

Top Scots at the GamesOutstanding performances saw these four athletes shortlisted for the 2012 CGS

Scottish Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Sir Chris Hoy - Cycling: In 2012 track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy became Britain’s most successful Olympian winning two gold medals, first in the Team Sprint and then in his specialist Keirin event, to add to his silver medal in 2000, gold in 2004 and three gold medals in 2008. In the ultimate honour, Chris was named as Flag Bearer for Team GB at the Opening Ceremony. Straight after the Games he was named as the first Glasgow 2014 Ambassador.

Andy Murray – Tennis: Andy capped a fantastic year by winning his first Grand Slam event, the US Open in a pulsating match against world number one Novak Djokovic. This followed a breakthrough gold medal win at the London 2012 Olympics, avenging a Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer. Partnering Laura Robson, Andy came close to winning two Olympic titles eventually losing in three sets in the mixed doubles final to claim silver.

Katherine Grainger – Rowing: In 2012 Katherine achieved her life goal by winning Olympic gold in double sculls with Anna Watkins which makes Katherine the first British female athlete in any sport to medal in four successive Olympic Games.

London - the end of the line and new beginningsFor a number of Commonwealth Games athletes, London 2012 brought the curtain down on their impressive careers, whilst others had happy events to look forward to.

Multiple Commonwealth medallist David Carry, who made his international debut at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and went on to win double gold in Melbourne in 2006, bowed out in style making the final of the 400m freestyle at his second Olympic Games. He is now eligible to claim his CGS Medallists Reward Scheme support of £5,000 from Delhi 2010. We wish David all the best following his recent marriage to English swimmer Keri-Anne Payne and as he embarks on a new career with Red Sky Management.

Another 2012 Olympian tying the knot after the Games was Commonwealth silver and bronze medallist Lee McConnell who married Craig Bonthron in early November.

Also hanging up her racket is badminton player Susan Egelstaff ranked number one in women’s singles for both Scotland and Great Britain. Over an 11-year career, she has been Scottish national champion six times, won seven international titles and also picked up two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006. London 2012 was her first Olympic Games and she won GB’s first badminton match of the tournament.

Whilst Sir Chris Hoy has called time on his Olympic career with a record six gold and one silver medal, he is still hoping to compete in 2014 subject to form and fitness. It would be awesome to see him compete in the velodrome named in his honour which he officially opened in October 2012.

A full debrief of London 2012 will be conducted to see what lessons can be learnt for Glasgow.

What a year for British and Scottish sport2012 has been an incredible year for Scotland’s top sportsmen and women, with their performances at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games capturing the imagination of the whole country.

Michael Jamieson – Swimming: Scotland’s first Olympic swimming medallist since Graeme Smith in 1996, Michael Jamieson won silver in the 200m Breaststroke at London 2012, setting three Scottish and British Records in the process. He has improved his time by three seconds since his silver medal performance in Delhi 2010.

Michael Jamieson

JenniferMcIntosh

Standards set With the CGS General Selection Policy completed in late 2011, this year has focused on developing sport specific policies, so athletes and coaches know what the required selection standards are for Team Scotland.

We are on target to complete all sport policies by the end of the year, with the exception of Gymnastics which will be completed early in the New Year, after the post Olympic review of scoring is completed. Not only do we want athletes to make the team, but also be in a position to perform with distinction once there. So selection is again based around all athletes having the ability to make the top eight or top 2/3 of the field (whichever is the tighter) in key events and we anticipate that with the support systems in place from governing bodies and sportscotland, we should have our largest ever number of athletes in Glasgow. The selection period will open in most sports from April 2013, allowing a full competition year period before the final team is selected in June 2014. In a number of sports we anticipate making first selections by October 2013 to allow the most effective preparation over the winter period and early part of 2014. CGS Games Team Operations Manager, Elinor Middlemiss, commented: “It is important that athletes know as early as possible what they must do to make the team and that we are as consistent as possible across sports, so that when an athlete is selected they know that not only do they deserve to be there, but so do all other team members. “We look forward to seeing quality performances during the selection period, not just from the recent Olympians and Paralympians, but also 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 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-

policies/

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Led by Chef de Mission Jon Doig and General Team Manager Elinor Middlemiss, individual management staff met counterparts in Glasgow 2014 for an update on progress and to give feedback on plans, whilst also enabling our staff members to explore ways of working together as a unit. Of particular interest was being able to input into the development of the level of services being delivered by Glasgow 2014 to athletes and staff, from the moment they arrive at the Games to the point they leave. This mapping of the athlete and officials journey was a unique development and will have huge benefits in delivering support and managing expectations.

A tour of the venues in the East End sector allowed all staff to directly view progress for themselves. In the Village which is now rapidly taking shape, we were able to view two types of housing and ask questions of both the developers and Glasgow 2014.

Gina Logan, General Team Manager with responsibility for the Village said: “We were excited by what we saw and the standard of housing generally will be great for athletes to be able to relax and prepare for competition. The amount of construction and level of completion on site is very advanced and we look forward to our next visit to see more of the accommodation options.

“It was also great to hear from the Organising Committee about the progress on the provision of internet access, which will make a real difference to the athletes,

allowing them to keep in touch with friends and family and relaxing.”

For a number of staff it was also their first opportunity to visit the Emirates Arena where the Track Cycling will be held in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Badminton will also take place in the adjacent Arena.

“With this fantastic venue built and now in operation, we can see how its proximity relative to the Village and Celtic Park for the Opening Ceremony will certainly ease travel issues”, commented Leslie Roy, General Team Manager for Transport and Logistics.

Other venues visited included the SECC Precinct where the construction of the impressive Hydro Arena has continued at a pace and will host the Gymnastics and Netball finals. The compact nature of this cluster of venues hosting a total of six sports was noted (Gymnastics, Netball, Boxing, Judo, Weightlifting/Powerlifting and Wrestling) and will reduce travel time for athletes and staff.

Commenting on the day, Jon Doig said: “Whilst Commonwealth Games Scotland is playing a proactive role in the development of the Games infrastructure in our role as host CGA, site visits such this are important to ensure our requirements as a competing team are also being taken into account. 2014 is ‘our party’ and we are determined to create the best possible environment to enable our athletes to perform to their very best”.

Second GTM visit highlights progressIn late October 2012 Team Scotland’s General Team Management conducted their second site visit to the Glasgow 2014 Headquarters and key venues as part of their preparations for the Games.

The Hydro Arena takes shape

GTM 2014

Athletes’ Village housing options

Other housing styles

StaffFocusNAME:

Lindsay Thomson

POSITION:

Head Physiotherapist

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 is something I really wanted to be part of and to help Team Scotland achieve great things.

What does your role entail?:

To ensure we provide world class medical support for each athlete, to enable them to perform to their best at 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 enough sleep!

What excites you most about the Games?:

Seeing athletes I have supported over the years achieve their goals, and being part of the whole Team Scotland again - there is nothing like it!

Lindsay is currently recruiting her team of physiotherapists.

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Team Scotland staffing taking shape

In the media spotlightWe are delighted to welcome three media officers to work with Team Scotland at the Games 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 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 ready to support the sports and athletes through the media environment at a home Games and maximise the profile of the Team.”

“Search has brought a different focus to our recruitment process, ensuring a competency based approach to the

roles that need to be performed.”Jon Doig, Chef de Mission

Over the last six months there has been a review of the Team Scotland staff structure to consider the specific needs of the Glasgow 2014 Games, taking into account the additional challenges and opportunities of a home Games. This has taken into account an anticipated larger team size of athletes all meeting the selection standards. To ensure we attract the right mix of people, we recruit from a wide range of backgrounds and partner agencies, with all our volunteers and seconded staff having clear job descriptions and going thorough an open recruitment process. Once appointed, linking in with the day-to-day support teams of athletes and sports is critical to successful delivery at Games-time.

With the General Team Management appointed earlier this year, we have moved to the next phase of recruitment of key support staff in the areas of Sport Team Managers, Doctors, Physiotherapists and Media Officers.

A key part of our recruitment process for these Games has been the addition of

professional input from Search Consultancy, the Official Recruitment Consultancy to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Team Chef de Mission, Jon Doig said:”Search has brought a different focus to our recruitment process, ensuring a competency based approach to the roles that need to be performed both in the lead to the Games and during Games-time. Already we are seeing a great range of people coming forward to offer their services. Being a home Games seems to have boosted interest significantly and overall we are extremely pleased with the quality of people we have to choose from.”

Three Media Officers have now been appointed, with medical and team management roles due to be finalised by early 2013. Further technical and support roles will be made later in 2013 and 2014.

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.

Stuart MackenzieStuart is PR and Media Manager with EventScotland and previously worked with sportscotland. He brings extensive experience of working with Team Scotland, first as a media officer in Delhi 2010 and then with Youth Team Scotland in Isle of Man 2011. Stuart has a particular interest and expertise in social media.

Rob Eyton-Jones

A freelance sports PR specialist, Rob is also well known to Team Scotland, having been a media officer back in Manchester 2000. He also headed up communications with Youth Team Scotland in Pune in 2008. An accomplished sports writer, Rob has also developed complementary skills in the area of photography and video.

David ChristieNew to Team Scotland, David works with one of CGS’s key partners, University of Stirling, as a Public Relations Officer and Winning Students Communications Manager. He works with a wide range of sports, including a part-time support role with triathlonscotland. David was previously a regional and national newspaper editor.

Host broadcaster announcedThere was also good news this summer when the host broadcaster contract for the Games was awarded to international television sports broadcast experts Sunset+Vine and Global Television, in their first joint venture as SVGTV. They will capture the excitement and thrills of the Games for a potential world-wide audience of more than one billion people. The highlight of the event was the First Minister interviewing up and coming Scottish badminton player Caitlin Pringle, who represented Youth Team Scotland at the 2011 Youth Games and is hoping to wear Team Scotland colours again in 2014.

TOSHIBA

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A big thank you to all our athletes who have been involved in media launches and events, supporting CGS Chairman, Michael Cavanagh, and helping to raise the profile of Glasgow 2014, its sponsors and Team Scotland.

Back in March, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Steve Cram MBE and athletes from the Scottish netball and hockey teams joined Glasgow 2014 at the city’s Scotstoun Stadium to unveil Atos as an Official Supporter.

Atos’ business technologists will be delivering critical applications and services essential to the successful staging of the Games, including a range of Management Systems and Games Information Systems, which will leverage Atos’ experience from over two decades of Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With Olympic fever starting to sweep the country, July was a busy month with two companies keen to be part of Scotland’s Games sponsorship action.

Leading gas and electricity company SSE became the Official Energy Partner of Glasgow 2014 and the first UK-based Tier One sponsor. Headquartered in Scotland, SSE is the leading generator of renewable energy in the UK and the second biggest energy retailer under brands such as SSE, Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric, SWALEC and Airtricity. Keen to reflect their UK-wide interests, rhythmic and artistic gymnasts from each of the four home countries were invited to bring some poise and style to the launch: Lauren Brash, Rhythmic – SCO; Laura Halford, Rythmic – WAL; Nicole Mawhinney, Artistic – NIR; Mimi-Isabella Cesar, Rhythmic, ENG.

Athletes to the fore as sponsors come on boardOver 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 to the Commonwealth Games family and look forward to working with them as we countdown to Glasgow!

Dell also joined the team, becoming the Official IT Hardware provider. From its Scottish headquarters in Dennistoun, a stone’s throw from where much of the sporting action will take place, Dell will provide the winning combination of its experience of large-scale global projects with its east end heart. The announcement was made at Scotstoun Leisure Centre, where children from schools in Glasgow took to the pool with Commonwealth silver medallist, swimmer Jak Scott.

In September, fresh from the Olympic Games in London, 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallist over 400m hurdles, Eilidh Child, visited Scotstoun Sports Campus to celebrate leading technology company Toshiba TEC UK Imaging Systems joining the team as the Official Office Automation Supporter of Glasgow 2014.

As the year drew to a close November saw a flurry of activity with renowned Scottish soft drink manufacturer, A.G. Barr revealed as an Official Supporter. Their links with Glasgow date back more than 100 years and

they will be supporting the Games through a wide portfolio of brands including: IRN-BRU, Scotland’s ‘other national drink’, and Strathmore Scottish spring water.

Also confirmed as coming on board was Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and previous sponsor of Team Scotland for the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games campaigns. They were unveiled as an Official Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Official Airline of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

Welcoming all the Glasgow 2014 Partners and Supporters, CGS Chairman, Michael Cavanagh said: “Despite the difficult economic climate Glasgow 2014 has managed to buck the trend and attract an impressive portfolio of commercial partners. I believe this shows the confidence in both the Commonwealth Games brand and the belief in Scotland to deliver an outstanding Games. We looking forward to engaging closely with them all over the coming months, to explore how we can successfully work together.”

ATOS

DELL

SSE

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Applications open in mid-January, but those interested are already being encouraged to register their interest online at www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer.

Doing this will keep would-be volunteers firmly up to speed via email as the process gathers pace after the turn of the year. Another option would be to drop-in for more information at the Glasgow 2014 Volunteer Centre opened at the start of November by Clyde, the official mascot, along with five would-be applicants.

The Volunteer Centre in Glasgow’s Merchant City will act as a hub, hosting an anticipated thousand interviews a week for the huge range of volunteer roles; the interviews are due to start from April 2013 onwards.

Glasgow 2014 has identified three key volunteer groupings in order to establish a consistent approach across all 17 sports:

Field of Play – assist with operations such as; ensuring athlete and officials entry to competition area, ensuring sport specific equipment is in place and assistance in call rooms.

Athlete Services – assist with operations such as; warm up areas, cool down areas, athlete preparation lounge and distribution of athlete apparel.

International Federation Services –assist with operations such as; support Technical Delegate needs at competition venue and service Technical Official lounges and meeting rooms.

Do you have what it takes to be a Games volunteer?The recruitment drive to find up to 15,000 volunteers to help deliver the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is already on and a number of these are specialist sport roles.

Hilary Maguire’s storyHilary 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 and respected as a Games Maker by both the Olympics Organisation and the general public which made it all worthwhile.

“I was rewarded in so many ways, from so many special moments. I ended up with the ultimate souvenir: one of the relay batons used in the 4x100m event when the world record was smashed by Jamaica.

“It was similar to being on a rollercoaster with many highs and some lows, usually sore feet and tiredness. It was worth it, though, to meet some of the world’s most famous athletes.

“Usain Bolt was a very friendly, cheeky, larger-than-life character. He gave me a high five after he got that relay world record and third gold medal. Another night to remember was when Team GB claimed three track and field Golds, the Saturday evening that Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah won.

“That was an atmosphere I will never forget and it would be great if the same kind of feeling was generated at Glasgow 2014.”

Within each of those key groupings, specific roles will then be identified for each sport and will include Team Leaders and Team Members.

Those who volunteered as Games Makers at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics will know the excitement that comes from being at the heart of the action.

Not every role promises this, of course, but every Glasgow volunteer will hopefully experience the buzz that comes from contributing to the largest sporting and cultural event ever hosted in Scotland.In London a spirit and camaraderie emerged among the Games Makers and now Glasgow 2014 is looking for up to 15,000 of the friendliest faces out there to produce the same again.

The early indications are promising. Research carried out on behalf of Glasgow 2014 showed that one in four Scots gave up time to volunteer in the past year and similar numbers expressed interest in volunteering for the Commonwealth Games.

Fiona McEwan, Vice Chair Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Scots are naturally very hospitable and coupled with a great sense of humour we are confident that Glasgow 2014 will have a volunteer workforce to be proud of.

Games partners cut the ribbon

“For the participating teams the volunteers are critical to the quality of every part of their Games experience.

“From the technical officials who ensure that the sport competitions are run smoothly, to the drivers who help athletes and officials get seamlessly around the city, to the people welcoming athletes into the dining room, a friendly and flexible attitude turns a good Games into a great and memorable Games.”

Volunteers launch recruitment drive at Hampden Park

Visit www.glasgow2014.com/volunteerFOR INFO ON VOLUNTEER MINIMUM CRITERIA

Chris puts track through its pacesStanding proud in the middle of otherwise vacant land at Glasgow’s Clyde Gateway, a small 40m section of running track, just two lanes wide, was put through its paces last summer, all set to be pronounced ready to become a piece of Commonwealth Games history.

The track testing is aimed at ensuring Hampden Park can successfully be transformed from a football stadium to an athletics one at Glasgow 2014 and the first athlete to offer his approval was Scotland’s Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Chris Baillie.

Sprint hurdler Baillie donned his spikes for a test run and pronounced himself impressed with a surface that, once the final selection of track is made, will be raised almost 2m above ground level at Hampden.

Baillie, whose success came at Melbourne 2006 and is targeting Glasgow 2014, said: ‘I was expecting it to be a bit bouncy, but it’s really stable. I thought it would be more like an indoor track with a bit of give in it, but it feels like a really quick track.

“The main thing is that it’s uniform the whole way round and the same for everybody. Being a sprinter, I like tracks to be hard, which this one is. There doesn’t seem to be any problems with it at all.

“We’re all used to Hampden as a football venue, but I’m sure it will look unbelievable as an athletics stadium with a full crowd. “

Ian McKenzie, head of venue development at Glasgow 2014, is satisfied with testing as the final decision on track construction is made. He predicts the Games in July 2014 could be a benchmark moment for other world-class events.

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

15 December 2012 2014 Sport specific selection policy and standards complete

11 March 2013 Commonwealth Day – QBR Launch & ‘Sport Your Trainers’

15 April 2013 Team Scotland selection period begins

23 May 2013 CGS AGM, Stirling

14-16 August 2013 CGF General Assembly, Glasgow

October 2013 First athlete selections announced

November 2013 Commonwealth Games Sports Awards Dinner

28 November 2013 CGS half yearly meeting, Stirling

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

Facebook search: “Commonwealth Games Scotland”

twitter.com/team_ScotlandMAJOR SUPPORTER:

‘Two years to go’!While the eyes of most of the world were on London for the start of the Olympic Games, Scotland was enjoying its own countdown to Glasgow 2014.

With the 23rd of July marking exactly ‘Two Years to Go’ until the Opening Ceremony of the XX Commonwealth Games three Scottish athletes were invited to have a special preview of the Athletes’ Village in Glasgow’s East End, giving them a first glimpse of where the 6,500 athletes and officials coming to Scotland in two years’ time will be calling home. Designed with input from athletes, the Village will be right on the doorstep of Celtic Park, venue for the Opening Ceremony and the new Emirates Arena incorporating the spectacular Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.The location and proximity to key venues further demonstrates Glasgow 2014’s commitment to making this a truly athlete centred and sport focused Games.

Former Scottish hockey player Rhona Simpson, who has stayed in the Athletes’ Village at three Commonwealth Games and two Olympic Games, was invited to the East End site to see how the Village was taking shape. Rhona was joined by two young athletes who aim to experience the atmosphere of an Athletes’ Village for the

first time in 2014, swimmer Ross Muir and long-jumper Jade Nimmo.

Rhona, who is the athlete representative on the Glasgow 2014 Board, was impressed with how far the Village has progressed since the start of construction last year.

Rhona Simpson, Scotland’s most-capped hockey player, said: “The focus at the Organising Committee is to ensure the Athletes’ Village provides the comfort and convenience needed by today’s performance athletes. The development is still in construction but with ‘Two Years to Go’ until the Games, it’s fantastic to witness how well the Village is progressing and to learn more about the venue that will be home to the athletes in 2014.”

Jon Doig shortlisted

CGS CEO, Jon Doig was shortlisted as Administrator of the Year, at the prestigious 2012 Commonwealth Sports Awards held in Trinidad & 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.”

Key dates 2012/2013

Track gets the thumbs up from Chris

Athletes get Village preview