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THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 9 SUMMER 2008

Funding in place as Pune approaches

Announcing the funding Louise Martin CBE, the new Chair of sportscotland and former Chair of CGS said: “Commonwealth Games Scotland is one of our key partners and we are delighted to make this investment to allow them to continue their excellent work.

“With Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 the profile of the Games and the Scottish team has never been higher. We must capitalise on this by ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to best support our athletes as they prepare for the Commonwealth Youth Games later this year and beyond to Delhi and of course, Glasgow.”

In addition, the Scottish Commonwealth Youth Games team has been granted £50,000 from the Commonwealth Games Endowment Fund to enhance its preparations for Pune. The fund was established by the Scottish Government following the 2002 Games.

Welcoming the announcement, Stewart Maxwell, Minister for Communities and Sport said: “Participation in the

forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in India will, I hope, be a stepping stone to further success for our young athletes who dream of representing Scotland at the 2014 Games in Glasgow.”

Acknowledging the investment, Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Thanks to sportscotland funding over the last few years, we have been able to successfully professionalise our organisation, clearly demonstrated by the excellent results at the last two Games, whilst Endowment Fund support has enabled us to build on investment from our supporters and sponsors to specifically enhance our team preparations.

“With 2014 on the horizon, we will continue to refine our current structure and operations to ensure we are well placed to deliver Scotland’s aspirations of success, firstly in India and then in a home Games.”

Clydesdale Bank has also come on board as the financial services partner supporting CGS and its teams.

As Pune celebrated 100 days to go to the start of the Commonwealth Youth Games, sportscotland announced that it was investing £110,000 in Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) for 2008, to support its core operating costs during the build-up to this year’s Games in Pune.

Chairman’s view It has been an interesting and exciting time since I was elected as Chairman last November. My predecessor, Louise Martin, had been in post for eight years, during which time the performance of Scottish athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne has been as high as at any time in our history. The Games has also become an even more important event for Scotland since winning the bid to host them in 2014. My role is to lead CGS through to 2011, which includes the Youth Games in Pune in October and also the next Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. As a future host CGA of the Commonwealth Games, it is vital that CGS is properly resourced and staffed to cope with the demands not only of taking teams to the various Games, but to also ensure that we can play as full a part as possible in the preparations for Glasgow 2014. I am acutely aware of our key role in ensuring that sport and the athletes in particular, are central to the success of the 2014 Games. A well organised Games, without a successful Scottish team, will not be deemed a success by the Scottish public. CGS is working in partnership with sportscotland to ensure that our athletes are given every opportunity to achieve this in 2010 and 2014 by increasing investment in sport high performance programmes. I believe the legacy benefits of such increased investment will have a positive impact well beyond 2014. Our target is to have the biggest Scottish team ever taking part in the Games in 2014 as well as Scotland’s highest medal tally, but this will not be done at the expense of the tough qualifying standards which have been in place for the last two Commonwealth Games and which have contributed to the much improved overall Scottish team performance. It’s about raising the standards not lowering the bar, when it comes to the selection of Scottish teams for the Commonwealth Games. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of the athletes vying for selection this summer for the Youth Games in Pune the very best of luck. Michael CavanaghChairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland

Michael Cavanagh

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This, the first Games event held since winning the 2014 bid, was an opportunity to welcome back over 65 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and a further 200 delegates from around the world.

Workshop for CGAsThe conference was preceded by a day for CGA delegates. They met the new Glasgow 2014 Chairman Lord Smith and were briefed by Glasgow 2014 Vice Chairman Louise Martin and outgoing Interim Chief Executive Derek Casey, on the progress made since the awarding of the Games.

Updates were also given on the Pune 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games and Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, whilst the Commonwealth Games Federation introduced new staff members Richard De Groen and Sue Whitworth.

Commonwealth nations come home to GlasgowThe second Commonwealth Sports Development conference was held in Glasgow’s historic Mitchell Library in June, in conjunction with Culture and Sport Glasgow, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow 2014.

Further sessions were held on the use of technology, in particular on the potential use by all CGAs of the Zeus Games management system used by Scotland in 2006, as well as practical examples by CGAs of how the development grants from Delhi and Glasgow can

be used.

Delegates also started to explore how countries could develop and benefit from partnerships with Scottish local authorities and other

agencies in the lead up to the Glasgow Games. This included a visit to sportscotland’s National Sports Centre at Inverclyde – a potential venue for training camps.

Sports development v sport-in-developmentThe conference itself provided a unique opportunity to establish a dialogue between mainstream sports development organisations and sport-in-development

organisations - many of whom provide sporting opportunities and development pathways in communities not always served by traditional sporting organisations. It was a chance for all to explore their mutual interests in both the development of sport and the consolidation of the wider social role of sport.

There were opening addresses from

the new Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, Leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell and President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Fennell. This

was followed by a wide range of speakers from across the Commonwealth, showcasing successful examples of grassroots development projects that used sport as the tool for engaging local populations – not only in physical activity, but also health promotion and community development. It was discussed how these and other projects

could be linked closer to government and to mainstream sports development.

Lots to discuss at the conference

Mike Fennell

Workshop sessions helped faciliate networking and discussions

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The Awards, sponsored by CGS supporter Clydesdale Bank, were compered by former Scotland rugby internationalist and BBC broadcaster John Beattie and in keeping with the Commonwealth theme, a highlight was the performance by a touring group of Masai warriors. This was only topped by the announcement that local hero and current world, Commonwealth and Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy was the winner of the Outstanding Male Athlete award and this was rapturously received.

Chris had taken time out from his final preparations for Beijing to collect the award in person and was among eight of the Commonwealth’s top sportsmen and women honoured for outstanding performances in 2007 across a range of award categories.

The category nominees and winners were:

Sports Administrator of the Year• Joe Cassar, Malta • Anne Smillie, Scotland

Outstanding Young Achiever (under 18)• Kelsey Cottrell (Lawn Bowls),

Australia

Hoy is top Scot at Commonwealth Sports AwardsThe 27th Commonwealth Sports Awards were presented at the Lord Provost’s dinner for conference delegates held at the spectacular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. The dinner was attended by delegates from across the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma and Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond.

• Thomas Daley (Diving), England• Kirani James (Athletics), Grenada

Outstanding Male Athlete• Chris Hoy (Cycling), Scotland • Nathan Deakes (Athletics), Australia• George Achilleos (Shooting), Cyprus

Outstanding Female Athlete• Lisbeth Lenton (Swimming), Australia • Veronica Campbell (Athletics),

Jamaica

• Catherine Ndereba (Athletics), Kenya

Outstanding Male Elite Athlete with Disability• Kurt Fearnley (Athletics), Australia • Antonis Aresti (Athletics), Cyprus • Steve Prowse (Archery), England

Outstanding Female Elite Athlete with Disability• Karolina Pelendritou (Swimming),

Cyprus• Danielle Brown (Archery), England

Most Outstanding Team• South Africa (Rugby) • Australia (Netball)• New Zealand (Rugby 7s)

Lifetime Achievement Award• William ‘Billy’ Stewart, Northern

Ireland• Charles Flower, Gibraltar • Mac Henderson, Scotland

A highlight of the evening – the Masai warriors

Congratulations to our winners

Chris Hoy

Congratulating Amy and Craig, Steve Reid, Retail Director of Clydesdale Bank said: “Clydesdale Bank are proud to be supporting the Scottish Team at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune in October this year. Amy and Craig are excellent examples of the many young people challenging for team selection over the summer months and I would like to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements. They are both worthy winners of the Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month award.”

Clydesdale Bank support Athlete of the Month AwardsAs part of their programme of support to Scotland’s Commonwealth Youth Games Team 2008, Clydesdale Bank is running an Athlete of the Month competition in conjunction with CGS.

Each month between April and August, athletes who have produced good performances at competitions in the build up to Pune can be nominated. A CGS judging panel will select a winner and where the competition is close, a second and third placed athlete. The athletes will be given an award from Clydesdale Bank of £300, £200 and £100 respectively and the winner’s club will also receive £100. Following the Games an Athlete of the Games and two runners-up will be chosen.

Since the selection period opened earlier this year we have seen a number of outstanding performances as athletes have strived to better the standards.

In April, teenage weightlifter, Amy Hamilton from Knightswood in Glasgow, was crowned the first Athlete of the Month. One of Scotland’s best young female weightlifters, 16 year old Amy enjoyed a highly successful 2007 representing Great Britain in the European Youth Championships and becoming British Champion at junior (under 20), under 18 and under 17 levels. So far this year she has defended her junior title and become British Schools Champion.

Her success has come just two years after starting the sport, switching from acro-gymnastics. Yet for all her grace and

poise retained from gymnastics, Amy can lift astonishing amounts of weight. Her best Snatch - throwing the bar from floor to above her head in one movement - is 60kg. Her Clean and Jerk - a two part lift from the floor to shoulders then overhead - is up to 71 kg.

Amy has already achieved the qualifying standard and will find out in August if she is in the team. In the meantime, she is delighted to be Athlete of the Month and excited about nearing her ultimate goal of competing in a future Games. “It’s great to win this award and the £300 will be really helpful for buying new equipment and paying for using the gym,” she said.

“Long term I’m looking at Delhi or Glasgow and I’d love to make it to London. India will be a great experience and hopefully I can be in medal contention.”

In May it was Table Tennis player Craig Howieson whose achievements were recognised.

Craig joined North Merchiston Boys Club when he was seven and the club’s coach, Tom Hook, taught him from the start until a year ago when he took up a place at Bristol’s Filton Table Tennis Academy becoming a member of the British Talent ID squad, selected for preparation for London 2012.

Craig spends six hours on the table each day doing different drills and exercises; some match specific work, some footwork, then an hour in the gym with a specialised strength and conditioning trainer.

With this level of devotion it’s no surprise that Craig has just had his best season. Highlights include a bronze medal at the UK School Games and a gold medal at under 18s in the British Schools International – both in individual events. In the World Team Championships in China, Craig won six of his 10 matches, helping Scotland gain promotion to Division 2. His hyper consistency helped Drumchapel Table Tennis Club finish second in the British Premier League, qualifying them for the European Club Cup.

Craig still has the European Youth Championships and the European Senior Championships to come this summer but has already reached the qualifying criteria set for the Scottish team heading for Pune. If successful, it will be a major indicator that he has the wherewithal to eventually be selected for his ultimate goal of competing in a major Games.

“It’s massive to represent your country at a multi-sport event like the Youth Games,” he says. “It’s important to do well in the run up to progress to a senior Games and hopefully I’ll win a medal in Pune then carry that on possibly to Delhi 2010. To get to London 2012 would be fantastic but the icing on the cake for me would be to get to Glasgow 2014 and win a medal there.”

“It’s fantastic that Clydesdale Bank have put the funding up,” said Craig. “It gives athletes an extra incentive to train hard and get more opportunities for doing so. I think it’s a good scheme to run and I’m delighted I’ve been given it for this month.”

4MAY

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

APRILATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Coach Ray Cavanagh with Amy and Clydesdale Bank’s Steve Reid

Jon Doig said: “Our impression was of a great city, a fantastic Village proposal, fairly tightly clustered facilities and very friendly people that will be extremely welcoming of our team and supporters.”

The Delhi Games will be held from 3-14 October and sports included in the programme are: Aquatics(swimming, diving and synchronised swimming), Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling (mountain biking is not included), Gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic), Hockey, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Shooting (small bore, pistol and full bore), Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Wresting and Weightlifting.

Of these sports, tennis is included for the first time and archery is back in the Games for the first time since 1982. Wrestling reappears on the programmme having missed one Games cycle. An insight into 2010 sports will feature in future issues of Countdown.

For more information:www.cwgdelhi2010.org www.thecgf.com

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In June, General Team Manager, Lisa Allan, along with Assistant Team Manager Leslie Roy, Physiotherapist Lindsay Thomson and CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig conducted the second site visit to Pune to assess the progress of Games preparations. This involved visiting the refurbished sports facilities, viewing accommodation options for the team and supporters who will travelling to the Games and meeting with Organising Committee staff including Chairman Suresh Kalmadi.

The team, who were impressed with arrangements, also took the opportunity

Whilst the immediate focus has been on Pune, we are only too aware that in just over two years time the Scottish team will be entering the stadium as the Delhi 2010 Games open.

In May 2008 the core selection criteria for Delhi 2010 were agreed by the CGS Board and presented to the CGS Council and work has now started with individual sports in developing sport selection policies. As these are completed they will be available on the CGS website.

Countdown to Pune 2008

to meet with Scotland’s twinned school, Hutchings High School where a quaich was presented to the Principal Mrs M.S Bhosle.

Lisa Allan, Youth Games General Team Manager found the visit very useful and said: “It has been great to see first hand where we will be staying in the Village and to see the sports facilities nearing completion. The organisation looks excellent and I am sure our athletes will have a really memorable experience that will stand them in good stead for future Games at senior level. The countdown to Pune is well and truly on!”

To assist with planning, CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig and Youth Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games Physiotherapist, Lindsay Thomson, continued on to Delhi from Pune and conducted the first site visit. They met officials from the Delhi 2010 Organising Committee, CGF officials, and the British High Commission. They also took the opportunity to view the Games Village and travelled to key sporting and other venues, as well as getting a feel for the culture and life in Delhi.

Tennis complex nears completion

Upgrading the Badminton Hall

The hand of friendship

Delhi 2010 - two years to goThe Village is being constructed around the magnificent Akshardham Temple

While staff are fine tuning their preparations, the athletes have continued in their efforts to meet the selection standards set down by the CGS and their sports before the final selection of the 44 athletes from nine sports is made and the Team announced on the 21st August at Stirling University.

Further information on the CGS selection criteria and sport specific criteria can be seen on the CGS website.

The nine sports being held in Pune are: Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

For more information on Pune see:www.cygpune2008.com

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Key appointmentsA Chair and CEO have been appointed for the organising company with well known Glasgow businessman Lord Smith of Kelvin and John Scott, the UK Sport Head of International Affairs and Anti Doping taking up these positions. Further senior management appointments have also been advertised and will be in place by the end of the year.

Board in placeBoard membership of Glasgow 2014 Ltd has also been confirmed, with Louise Martin CBE and Michael Cavanagh being appointed as CGS representatives and three times Commonwealth Games hockey representative Rhona Simpson on the Board as athletes representative. Louise has also been appointed as Vice Chairman. Three Board meetings have now been held.

The full Board is Lord Smith of Kelvin (Chairman), Louise Martin CGS (Vice Chairman), Mike Fennell CGF, Mike Hooper CGF, Ian Emmerson CGF, Rhona Simpson Athletes Representative, Bridget McConnnell Culture & Sport Glasgow, Cllr

Archie Graham Glasgow City Council,

Kate Vincent Scottish Government and Pam Whittle Scottish Government.

The work of the Board in delivering the Games is supported by a Strategic Group chaired by the First Minister and includes representation from Glasgow 2014, the CGS, Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

Farewell to DerekWith the appointment of the new CEO the term of Derek Casey as Bid Director and Interim Chief Executive concluded on the 13th June. Everyone at the CGS thanks Derek for his outstanding contribution to the winning of the Games and for his work after the 9th November in managing the transition to the new company structure.

Lord Smith of Kelvin

Derek Casey

Artists impression of the new National Indoor Sports Arena

The implementation of the plans for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is continuing apace with the ‘100 day plan’ well and truly being delivered.

All systems go in Glasgow

The velodrome Aerial view of the site

John Scott

Indoor arena

Infrastructure underwayWork is also progressing with other parts of the Bid. Exploratory ground works have started on the National Indoor Sports Arena and Games Village and wider infrastructure support projects such as the East End Regeneration route, Glasgow Airport Rail link and M74 bypass have all given approval.

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2008 Act has also been passed along with associated UK enabling legislation. City branding has also changed from Bid branding to reflect our ‘Proud Host City’ status with welcome signs at entrance points to the city and posters at Glasgow International Airport and key sites around the city.

For all the news on Glasgow 2014:www.glasgow2014.com

Leaving a legacyAn extensive Government legacy consultation on how all of Scotland can engage in the Games and reap the benefits from them is now underway with a consultation paper produced and workshops currently being held around the country.

For more information see:www.scotland.gov.uk/glasgow2014legacy

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Beijing beckons!

Athletes selected so far and ones to watch in Beijing 2008 include 10 members of Scotland’s record breaking 2006 Commonwealth Games swim team: Hannah Miley, Robbie Renwick, Andy Hunter, Todd Cooper, Kirsty Balfour, Gregor Tait, David Carry, Euan Dale, Caitlin McLatchey and Kris Gilchrist.

2006 team gymnast and current European medallist Daniel Keatings is the first Scot to qualify for an Olympic Games in gymnastics. Whilst 2006 hockey players Stephen Dick and Ali McGregor also make the final squad with Laura Bartlett and Niall Stott going as travelling reserves. Judo’s Sarah Clark who won silver in Manchester in 2002 has also secured her place along with fellow Scots Euan Burton and Michelle Rogers. In shooting Jon Hammond has also already made the grade.

We await final selection in a number of other sports

including cycling, where hopefuls include 2006 Commonwealth

Games cycling gold medallists Chris Hoy, Craig Maclean and Ross Edgar. Despite

being reigning Olympic champion,

Chris has been in the unusual position

of having to change his event when the kilo was removed from the Olympic programme. Never one to be defeatist, Chris has been honing his technique in the keiran and individual sprint as well as playing a key role in the team sprint and enjoyed remarkable success at the recent World Championships in Manchester where he won 2 gold and 1 silver medal.

With Wimbledon over for another year, Dunblane tennis brothers Andy and Jamie Murray are also expected to make their Olympic debut.

Track and field will be the last to book their seats on the plane to Beijing. Scots looking to make the team include 2006 bronze medallist Lee McConnell who has reverted to the 400m flat event that brought her silver medal winning success in 2002. 2006 silver medallist Chris Baillie also hopes to go in the 110m hurdles, vying for selection against team mate Allan Scott. Marathon runner Hayley Haining still has to wait to see if Paula Radcliffe is forced to withdraw on injury grounds, whilst Susan Scott and Andrew Lemoncello are also in the mix, having shown good form at the European Cup in Annecy in June.

A number of Scottish athletes competing at the Paralympics will also be aiming to compete in 2010 with the programme for Delhi in athletics and swimming being selected after the Paralympics based on the strength of Commonwealth representation in different disciplines.

Whilst our younger athletes are preparing for Pune, a number of our senior athletes in Commonwealth Games sports, who will be seeking to represent Scotland in future Commonwealth Games, have an earlier date in their diary as they prepare to compete at Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing as part of Team GB.

CGS would like to wish all the athletes

and staff on Team GB all the very best

for a successful Games.

Already selected!DANIEL KEATING

In the squadSTEPHEN DICK

On track forBeijing 2008

CHRIS HOYCRAIG MACLEAN

ROSS EDGAR

Final Trials approaching...

The Olympic Games will be held from the 8th -24th August and will be followed by the Paralympics from the 6th-17th September.

Already selected!SARAH CLARK

LEE McCONNELL

Final Trials approaching...

CHRIS BAILLIE

Building on Melbourne’s successTEN SCOTTISH SWIMMERS

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Commonwealth Games Scotland

Gannochy Sports CentreUniversity of Stirling

Stirling FK9 4LA

Tel: +44 (0)1786 466480Fax: +44 (0)1786 466481

Email: info@cgcs.org.ukwww.cgcs.org.uk

Major supporters

Partners

Photo credits:Ideal Images, Glasgow 2014, Gee Whiz

Media, Rob Eyton-Jones, Inlightin, Design Hive

2008

21 August Scotland’s 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games Team announced

8-24 August Olympic Games, Beijing

6-17 September Paralympic Games, Beijing

12 October Opening Ceremony, 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games, Pune, India

13-18 October 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games, Pune, India

25 October Commonwealth Games Scotland Sports Awards Dinner, SAS Radisson, Glasgow Please note date change

Key dates

Recent appointmentsThe CGS are pleased to announce the appointment to the CGS Board of Ian Edmond as Athletes Representative on the CGS Board. Ian represented Scotland in Swimming at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games and is a former World Championship medallist.

We are also pleased to note the reappointment of Colin McEachran as Hon Legal Advisor and Joan Watt as Hon Medical Advisor. Both Colin and Joan have served previous terms in these posts. The appointment of Louise Martin CBE as Chairman of sportscotland is also warmly welcomed.

Ian Edmond

In May 2008 the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland Ltd underwent a re-branding exercise and is now known as Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS). Commenting, Jon Doig Chief Executive said that the change was timed to take account of the recent incorporation as a company limited by guarantee, winning of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the election of a new Board. It is all part of a long term strategy to ensure the purpose of the organisation is clear to all stakeholders.

The revised logo incorporating the new shortened name, CGS ‘thistle’ and Commonwealth Games Federation ‘bar’ has been developed for corporate use, whilst individual team logos have been developed for Pune and Delhi. These reflect the use of Indian style script, whilst retaining the popular thistle and lend themselves to a wider range of uses.

New Look for Commonwealth Games activities

A dinner date25 October 2008 will see guests from the worlds of sport, business, media and politics gather at the SAS Radisson Hotel in Glasgow to celebrate ‘our passion for success’ at the annual CGS Sports Awards Dinner. 2008 is sure to be another memorable sporting year. We will recognise the achievements of our young athletes fresh from the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, along with those of Scottish Olympians and Paralympians in Beijing. We will also reflect on that

Your Invitation...25th October 2008magical moment

last November when Glasgow was awarded the 2014 Commonwealth Games and what it will mean for Scottish sport over the next six years. The highlight of the evening will be the awarding of the Lonsdale Trophy for the Scottish Sportsperson of the year in associations with Emirates Airlines and the Scottish Junior Sportsperson of the year in association with Scottish Sports Aid.

The CGS website has also been redeveloped. Check it out for all

Games related news.

www.cgcs.org.uk

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