Glasgow 2014 unveils exciting new chapter in journey to the Games

Confirmation of a Sports Programme for the most inclusive Commonwealth Games ever, the refurbishment of two Games' venues, and more than one million people signing up to wear their trainers on Commonwealth Day… it's been a fast-paced six months at Glasgow 2014!

As momentum gathers towards Scotland's biggest multi-sports showcase, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee today (Monday 21 May) publishes a six-monthly progress report which highlights extensive progress towards the Games across a wealth of areas including:

• A finalised Sport Programme which offers the biggest-ever number of Para-Sports Medals in Commonwealth Games’ history – 22 Medal events in total, including the Games’ first Para-Sport Cycling (Track) event included in the Games, new events for female athletes in Shooting and the introduction of an exciting new event to the Commonwealth Games ¬– Mixed Triathlon

• The continued growth of our sponsor family with International IT company Atos unveiled as an Official Supporter and the first Olympic and Paralympic Partner for Glasgow 2014.

• In excess of one million people pledging to don their trainers to mark Commonwealth Day including 230,000 students from Scotland’s universities, athletes and celebrities including Carol Smillie, Edith Bowman, Lee McConnell, Kim Collins, Gavin Hastings and Liz McColgan.

• The launch of the official Glasgow 2014 Tartan, designed by 15-year-old Aamir Mehmood, of Shawlands Academy, Glasgow, who beat thousands of entries from over 300 schools across Scotland.

• Great progress on Games venues such as the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh which was officially re-opened on 20 March by former Olympic gold medallist David Wilkie and the completion of five new international-standard lawns at Kelvingrove and resurfacing of the footpath network throughout the venue.

Today’s Progress Report also highlights the second successful visit from the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) Coordination Commission. Following the Commission, Bruce Robertson, CGF Vice-President expressed the CGF’s ‘delight’ at progress and the ‘truly collaborative’ approach of Games Partners – the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Mr Robertson said: “What we are seeing in Glasgow and in Scotland is a growing competency which will deliver not only great games in 2014 but will continue to support the event hosting platform Scotland has been building for some time.”

Over the past six months the OC has been growing too. More than 60 new members of staff have joined the OC at Commonwealth House, the headquarters in the city’s Merchant City and during this time significant progress is being made by all Games Partners in ensuring that the Games deliver a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said:

“The past six months have seen the vision and ambitions of Glasgow 2014 start to become increasingly real and incredibly exciting.

“World-class venues are starting to emerge from building sites and across Scotland thousands of people of all ages are starting to engage with the Games in so many different ways. Our commitment to delivering an athlete centred and sports focused Commonwealth Games is springing to life.

“The pace is quickening and we look forward to sharing the next stage of a journey towards delivering an outstanding Games of which Glasgow and Scotland can be proud.”

Glasgow City Council Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Councillor Archie Graham, said:

“The latest Games Partner Progress Report underlines how well the various aspects of preparing for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are developing. The visible progress in delivering the venues and infrastructure for the Games is being matched by the partners’ work on all the other matters necessary to host successful Games, such as planning, sponsorship and creating a lasting legacy after 2014.”

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said:

“This report shows the excellent progress in preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games over the last 6 months. Milestones such as the reopening of the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh and the launch of the Official Games Tartan provide a glimpse of how hard work behind the scenes is being translated into a Games that will showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer.

 

I am also pleased that we have been able to announce £10 million for the development of sport and physical activity facilities, and £5 million to give up to 2,500 youngsters the opportunity to gain employment in Scotland's major sporting and cultural events, including the Commonwealth Games.”

Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Michael Cavanagh said:

"With the Games now just over two years away, Commonwealth Games Scotland and its sport partners are well on track with their operational planning for Team Scotland's participation at Glasgow 2014. A successful Games will be remembered through the impact of athletes performances, not least in part, by the success of the home team.

The Commonwealth Games Coordination Commission findings are a fine endorsement for the Organising Committee and Commonwealth Games Scotland continues to play a very active role within the Organising Committee, contributing at all levels in the organisation's structure."

SOURCE: glasgow2014.com