Published on:
29
August 2013
To coincide with tickets for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games being up for grabs, Clyde, the Official Games Mascot, today (Thursday 29 August) visited Clackmannanshire, alongside two of Scotland's top Commonwealth athletes.
Double Gold medal-winning swimmer David Carry and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, Susan Egelstaff, accompanied Clyde. During the visit, the athletes engaged with young children from Alva Primary School, giving them an insight into the world-class event coming to Glasgow next summer.
The schoolchildren were introduced to the 17 sports of the Commonwealth Games by Clyde, as well as being given a personal insight from both David and Susan into what it takes to become a sporting champion and what it means to compete for Scotland at a Commonwealth Games.
Clyde was designed by schoolgirl Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld. Beth won a UK-wide Blue Peter competition, from over 4000 entries, to design the Glasgow 2014 Mascot, which will become known by people all around the world.
Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said: "Wherever Clyde goes he always receives a positive reception. He's friendly, fun and cheeky, and he's exactly the mascot to introduce the Games to Scotland's young people. Young people are at the heart of everything we do and we're looking forward to making sure that young Scots know what they can expect when the Games come to their home next year.
"Both David and Susan were Scottish school children once, dreaming of competing on the world stage. I'm certain they'll do a fantastic job of passing their knowledge and experience on to the next generation throughout the tour and informing Scotland's youngsters of the huge opportunity they have to be inspired by Glasgow 2014."
Glasgow 2014 Ambassador David Carry said: "I remember looking up to Commonwealth athletes as an aspiring young swimmer so I'm proud to be part of this journey around the country introducing young Scots to the huge event which is coming to Glasgow next year.
"The Games will be inspirational for young people all across Scotland and I hope this fun and engaging tour will give youngsters a taste of the world-class sport they will experience in their home country next summer."
Former Commonwealth Badminton player Susan Egelstaff said: "I remember watching the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and being inspired as a youngster by the amazing athletes competing. Glasgow 2014 will have a similar Impact on the youngsters of today and I'm excited to be involved in this tour around Scotland.
"It is crucial that young people across the country have the opportunity to experience live world-class sport in person, It's a once In a lifetime opportunity and young Scots growing up today will want to have the chance to say in years to come 'I was there'."
Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "Trying new sports with Clyde and hearing first hand from David and Susan about the excitement of competing for your country on an international stage will be a great introduction to the Games for children and young people across Scotland."
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: "Clyde has been a fantastic mascot so far, and I am sure he will continue to inspire young people all around the country and take anticipation for the Games to even higher levels. There is no better way to find about a sporting event than to hear from someone who competed in it, and David and Susan will bring the Games to life for so many."
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman, Michael Cavanagh said: "David and Susan have been outstanding Ambassadors for Team Scotland throughout their careers. They know and understand what it takes to compete and win medals at Commonwealth Games and I know they'll do a great job introducing youngsters across the country to the Games. All of our athletes are looking forward to competing in Glasgow next year and to do so in front of packed home crowds would make it extra special and spur them on to give their best performance."
Councillor Ellen Forson, Education, Sport and Leisure Convenor at Clackmannanshire Council, said:"I'm thrilled that Clyde is coming back to Clackmannanshire along with two inspirational former athletes. With the Games less than a year away, this visit will help to inspire local young people and their families to visit the events in Glasgow during Games. It will also encourage young people to take up the many sports and physical activities they are offered through their school and be inspired to participate outwith school and join activities on offer in their local community such as triathlon, cycling, bowling and athletics."
1. The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving 71 teams of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years. Glasgow 2014 will be the 20th Commonwealth Games and will be held from 23 July to 3 August. It will feature 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 261 medal events on show. The Games will play host to 4500 athletes and sell 1,000,000 tickets with the event aided by an army of up to 15,000 local volunteers. Glasgow 2014 Ltd is the official name for the Organising Committee tasked with delivering the Games in partnership with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.
2. Glasgow 2014's official partner level sponsors are Longines, SSE, Virgin Media, BP and Emirates. For more information on Glasgow 2014's full sponsor family, please visit http://www.glasgow2014.com/games/our-sponsors
3. Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Games Federation and UNICEF are working together in an exciting partnership that will transform the lives of children in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth. Using the power of sport and culture this unique partnership aims to inspire, enable and empower the children of the Commonwealth to be the best they can be.
4. The first phase of ticket sales will be open from 19 August to 16 September. It makes no difference whether you apply on the first or last day of this four-week window. A minimum of 70% of tickets for every sport session will go to the general public. This is different to most sporting events that use a general average - so some events might be as low as 30% public tickets, where others are 95%.
5. For further information please contact Iain Clark on Iain.Clark@Glasgow2014.com or 030 2014 0135 / 07772038674