Commonwealth Games England chief executive to step down

Ann Hogbin, chief executive of Commonwealth Games England (CGE), will be leaving the organisation at the end of this year after nearly 20 years of highly regarded service.

The move follows the CGE's new strategy for the years leading up to the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which has seen the roles of chief executive, sports director and commercial director being advertised.

"This is of course with some trepidation and regret as, over the last 20 years, I have been pleased to be part of the team leading the England team through a number of different Games, including the successful campaign in Delhi 2010," said Hogbin, who set up a separate office for England within the Commonwealth Games structure in 1994.

"I hope to stay involved with sport and look forward to seeing the team's further success in Glasgow 2014.

"One option I am actively considering is setting up in consultancy.

"In the meantime, until the end of the year, when my final departure takes place, I will continue to work with CGE across the summer to deliver the Commonwealth Youth Games [in the Isle of Man] in September and to ensure a smooth handover to the new CGE team in the Autumn."

Sir Andrew Foster, chairman of CGE said: "I would like to thank Ann for all of her dedicated work at CGE over such a long and ever-changing period of time.

"Most recently, she was part of the team which oversaw our significant success in Delhi 2010 and we look forward to building on this as Glasgow approaches.

"We wish her all the very best for the future."

Hogbin, who was heavily involved in the planning of the England arrangements in Delhi during the challenging circumstances before the Games got underway last October, had a wealth of experience upon which to draw.

Delhi was the 10th Commonwealth Games with which she had been involved since entering the field of sports administration in 1972 when she got a secretarial job at the British Olympic Association.

She has also worked on nine Olympic Games, and was appointed first woman general team manager of Team England in 1994.

Four years later, Hogbin had to overcome what she described as "cultural issues" when the Games were in Kuala Lumpur.

"The ­Organising Committee wasn't used to dealing with women in positions of responsibility," she said.

"But once they did get to know me, we had good relationships."

Hogbin has described her management styles as "open and ­relaxed" – a view corroborated by the man who carried out the role as the CGE's Chef de Mission at the Delhi 2010 Games, Craig Hunter.

"Anybody - whether athlete or official - who has ever crossed paths with Ann will only have fond memories of working with her," Hunter said.

"She has worked tirelessly and with dedication, and always has the best interests of the athletes at the forefront of her mind, whatever event she is involved with.

"It has always been a huge amount of fun working with her."

Glasgow 2014 to engage with local business community.

On Thursday 21 July, Glasgow 2014 - in partnership with Glasgow City Marketing Bureau – will host local businesses at a free business information evening at the Old Fruitmarket.

The event aims to update them on the planning and preparation for the XX Commonwealth Games and the associated opportunities that exist for local businesses.

David Grevemberg, Acting Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, together with Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, will begin the evening by outlining the importance of the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow in 2014. Further insights from various members of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee will also be presented.

Representatives from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Government Olympic Executive will also be in attendance to enable local companies to engage directly with the different organisations working on the 2012 Olympic Football at Hampden Park and the Torch Relay event which will tour right across the country.

The format will include workshop tables with the organisations mentioned above with support from; Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, EventScotland, Creative Scotland, Business Club Scotland,  VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.

If you or your business would like to attend the evening, please click here for more information and to register your interest.

Michael Jamieson sets sights on Glasgow 2014 'fairytale'

With just over three years until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games begin, Scottish swimmer Michael Jamieson has spoken about his excitement for a home Commonwealth Games, in a blog for the Glasgow 2014 website.

Fresh from his double-gold medal winning performances at Tollcross in the Scottish National Championships, in the pool where he developed as a swimmer, Michael is excited by the prospect of being back where it all began at Glasgow 2014.

With the World Championships coming up in Shanghai later this month and London 2012 on the horizon, the 22-year-old has plenty to concentrate on. However, with Glasgow 2014 fast approaching, Michael's mind is firmly set on his mission of going for gold at the Commonwealth Games in his home city.

Jamieson said: "Glasgow 2014 could be a bit of a fairytale for me. Home city, home advantage. Tollcross is where I did all my hard work as an age grouper with City of Glasgow, where I developed as a swimmer and where I decided that swimming was the path I wanted to go down."

Michael first tasted global success at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, bringing back a silver medal from his first senior international competition for his efforts in the 200m breaststroke.

"The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games was my first taste of silverware on the senior international stage and it was an amazing experience. It was great to make that step up and I'm delighted it was with Team Scotland.

"There has already been amazing support and excitement in the lead up to the Games and it's only going to build from here on in."

Glasgow 2014’s Athletes’ Committee appoints new members

The Athletes' Advisory Committee (AAC) for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has appointed three new members as the Committee broadens its expertise. Offering advice over the next three years to the Glasgow 2014 Board and Organising Committee (OC), the AAC will be responsible for providing an athlete perspective for the Games and will play a crucial advisory role in relation to Games planning. The AAC will become a key component in supporting the OC achieve its vision of a truly athlete centred and sport focused Games.

The AAC, which now has eight members, is made up of current Scottish athletes who are aiming to compete at Glasgow 2014 and former Scottish athletes who have a vast experience in competing at Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Chaired by former Scottish international hockey player Rhona Simpson, who competed in three Commonwealth Games (1998, 2002 and 2006) and twice represented Great Britain at the Summer Olympics (1996 and 2000), the AAC appointed:

Susan Egelstaff, the current highest ranked female Badminton athlete in the United Kingdom, Susan has competed for Scotland at three Commonwealth Games (2002, 2006 and 2010) securing a Team Bronze medal in 2002 and an Individual Singles Bronze in 2006.

Neil Stirton, a current Scottish international shooting athlete, Neil has competed at two Commonwealth Games (2006, 2010), securing a silver medal in Melbourne 2006 and going better to secure Gold in Delhi 2010, along with partner Jonathon Hammond. The pair also secured Bronze in Delhi 2010, providing Neil with a full set of medals across two Games.

Frania Gillen-Buchert, a current Scottish international squash athlete, Frania has competed at two Commonwealth Games (2006 and 2010), in both singles and doubles events. Frania is also employed by Judo Scotland, providing a multi-sport perspective to the group.

The AAC will provide a perspective on behalf of all athletes and will make a number of recommendations to the Board and OC over the next three years that will help shape the overall Games experience for all athletes coming to Glasgow in 2014.

Susan Egelstaff, the highest ranked female Badminton athlete in the UK, said: "It's really exciting to be involved in the preparations for Glasgow 2014 and being involved in the Athletes' Advisory Committee will benefit not only myself but all the athletes coming from the Commonwealth for the Games in 2014.

"We will work closely with the Organising Committee and the Board over the next three years to ensure that athletes are represented and we will be consulted on a number of issues that will affect us all in 2014. I can't wait to see all the work coming together to produce a fantastic Games and I can't wait to play in front of my home crowd in Glasgow."

David Grevemberg, acting Chief Executive at Glasgow 2014 said: "The Athletes' Advisory Committee is truly valuable in our preparation for 2014 and the Committee will play a crucial role over the next three years in staying true to our vision of an athlete centred, sport focused Games.

"All the athletes involved offer a vast amount of multi-sport experience and represent a variety of sports and disciplines. All of them are passionate about Glasgow staging a great Games and we're delighted to welcome the new members to the Committee."

Brian MacPherson named Commonwealth Games Canada CEO

Dr. Andrew Pipe, President of Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC), today announced that Brian MacPherson is the organization's new Chief Executive Officer.

"Brian is a proven leader with an abundance of highly relevant experience," stated Dr. Pipe. "An innovator and strategic thinker, he has led several national sport organizations and each one has achieved record-level performances, on and off the field of play."

MacPherson brings to CGC a quarter century in senior leadership positions in Canadian high performance sport. A former Executive Director at the Federation of Canadian Archers as well as Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, he also served as Chief Executive Officer for the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC). There, he built successful partnerships and sponsorships that increased CPC revenues by a factor of ten. During his tenure, Canadian teams produced best-ever results in both summer and winter Paralympic Games.

"Joining Commonwealth Games Canada feels like a really good fit," said MacPherson, who officially starts his new position on the first of September. "Along with the high performance sport experience, I've also put together a number of sport development programs for various organizations – all of which helped to boost membership numbers and generate higher levels of awareness. I'm really looking forward to producing some outstanding results working with CGC staff in the International Development through Sport area."

Soldier On is one of the sport development programs that MacPherson spearheaded while running the Canadian Paralympic Committee. It has provided hundreds of disabled veterans of the Afghanistan war with meaningful opportunities to get involved in a variety of sports. A number of these former soldiers are now elite athletes and some are even vying for spots at next year's Paralympic Summer Games in London, England.

"It feels great to be a member of the CGC family, building on its recent successes and moving Commonwealth sport to the next level." says MacPherson.

Building the Commonwealth sport brand will be one of the new CEO's top priorities, along with expanding program offerings, assessing the conditions for a potential bid to host an upcoming Commonwealth Games, and enhancing both the number and quality of strategic partnerships.

MacPherson replaces Thomas Jones whose 6-year tenure included two Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010), a Commonwealth Youth Games (Pune, India 2008), and a period of significant growth for CGC's innovative International Development through Sport (IDS) program. Jones stepped down in March to pursue career opportunities in his home province of British Columbia.

According to Dr. Pipe, "Through Tom's leadership, we're headed down a very positive path, and Brian is precisely the right individual to accelerate that progress even further."

CGC's Director of Sport, Scott Stevenson, will serve as Interim CEO until MacPherson steps into the full-time role at the beginning of September.

An avid canoeist, MacPherson and his wife, Sandi, have two teenaged boys who share a passion for sport.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive resigned over free tax advice, it is claimed

John Scott  resigned as chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games because he received free tax advice worth £6,000 ($8,750) from accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), it has been reported.

The Herald in Glasgow claimed that a third party alerted the board of Glasgow 2014 to the "gift" from the company that forced Scott to leave his £179,000 ($286,000) job on Monday (June 27).

The Organising Committee have a strict policy that employees are not allowed to such any gifts or gratuities above the value of £100 ($145).

PwC have refused to confirm or deny it was the firm at the centre of the affair and Glasgow 2014 also declined to elaborate on the claims.

PwC had a two-year contract with Glasgow 2014 that ended in May, a role that included reviewing the Games' budget.

"Glasgow 2014 has received legal advice which is clear," a spokesman for Glasgow 2014 told The Herald.

"We are not in a position to go into the details of what was a personal matter between an ex-employee and the third party concerned.

"The Organising Committee put out a statement on this situation and has nothing further to add to that statement."

Rosa appointed Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay manager

Glasgow 2014 has announced that Louis Rosa will be their new Queen's Baton Relay manager for the Commonwealth Games.

The Queen's Baton Relay is the curtain raiser to the Games and has been so since Cardiff in 1958, symbolising the gathering of the Commonwealth every four years.

"I am thrilled to join the Glasgow 2014 team and I look forward to the challenge of producing the baton relay," said Rosa, who is an Australian.

"I am sure that it will be an event that Scotland will embrace as its own and be a source of pride for all Scots as the relay travels throughout the Commonwealth and Scotland."

Rosa has been involved in seven major sporting events, including the 2002 and 2010 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and New Delhi, the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the 2006 Turin and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, as well as the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

Also a qualified accountant, he brings with him a wealth of event and financial experience accumulated over 15 years.

He has also gained experience from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and other major sporting occasions such as the 2003 Rugby World Cup where he managed the 100 day promotional build-up billed as the "True Colours Tour".

BBC appointed as host rights broadcaster for Glasgow 2014

Glasgow 2014 has appointed the BBC as the domestic broadcast rights holder for the Commonwealth Games, it was announced today.

The deal includes coverage on BBC One and BBC Two television networks, news coverage across the BBC Radio, including Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra, red button interactive and IPTV servies, the BBC Sport website and international promotion of the Games through BBC World News and the BBC World Service.

In addition, it is expected that the BBC's Nations and Regions sport and news teams for television, radio and online will generate considerable additional interest by focusing on the performance of local competitors in those parts of the British Isles which compete at the Games as separate teams.

"I am delighted that the BBC has taken up the domestic rights for the Commonwealth Games and I believe this deal represents a huge vote of confidence in Glasgow 2014 as well as the Commonwealth Games Movement in general," said Lord Robert Smith, the chairman of Glasgow 2014.

"We anticipate some of the world's highest profile athletes will compete at our Games, fresh from their successes at London 2012.

"The added spice will be seeing the stars of Team GB in their own national colours in Glasgow, just two years later.

"The BBC's reach will help us to generate a huge level of excitement and anticipation in the lead up to the biggest event Scotland will ever have hosted."

The deal will be a relief to Glasgow 2014 organisers who two years ago feared the prospect of being left with a £20 million ($32 million) hole in their budget as a result of a recommendation to drop the Commonwealth Games from Britain's protected list of free-to-air televised sporting events.

The recommendation, included in a report produced by former Football Association chief executive David Davies and commissioned by the previous Labour Government, was later overturned by the new Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson.

Sir_Roger_Bannister_wins_Miracle_Mile_Vancouver_1954It continues the BBC's association with the Commonwealth Games which dates back to 1954, when they were staged in Vancouver and featured the famous "Miracle Mile" when both John Landy and Sir Roger Bannister ran the distance in under four minutes, the first time it had been done.

"BBC Scotland will have a special role at the heart of our coverage in giving the Games extensive exposure in Scotland across our dedicated TV, radio and online services – all of which will make the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games a truly momentous occasion in Scotland," said Ken MacQuarrie, the director of BBC Scotland.

Glasgow officials will be hoping the announcement helps shift attention from the controversy that has surrounded the shock resignation earlier this week of chief executive John Scott, who was forced to step down from his £179,000 ($286,000) per year post after what it was claimed was "an error of judgement" when he accepted a gift from a potential supplier that was above the £100 ($160) limit allowed.

"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will showcase Scotland to the world and this is another key milestone in the delivery of the Games.," said Shona Robinson, the Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport.

"While we urge everyone to come to Scotland and be part of this great event, I am pleased that the award of the domestic rights to the BBC means that most people in the UK will be able to enjoy the spectacle of the Games on free to view television in their homes.

"Income from the sale of broadcasting rights is a welcome contribution to the Games Budget alongside the funds provided by the Scottish Government and its funding partners."

Exclusive: Commonwealth Games Federation wants explanation over Scott resignation

Mike Hooper, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), has admitted his organisation is "extremely disappointed" with the circumstances that led to the resignation of John Scott (pictured left) as the chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 and joined calls for more light to be shed on the matter.

Scott stepped down from his £179,000 ($286,000) a year job this week after what Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Robert Smith cryptically described as "an error of judgement he made in accepting, and not declaring, an offer from one of Glasgow 2014's potential suppliers, in breach of the Organising Committee's strict Gifts and Gratuities policy".

The lack of any substantial facts from Glasgow 2014 regarding the sudden and mysterious departure of Scott, who is highly regarded in the organisation, has led to various unconfirmed rumours being spread about the incident and even seen senior Scottish Government officials, including Labour Culture spokeswomen Patricia Ferguson, claim that the public have a right to know the full details of Scott's decision.

Hooper, who is also a member of the Board of the Organising Committee, has said that he fully supports the decision taken by Lord Smith to accept the resignation of Scott but he backs the calls for further disclosure of the facts involved in the issue.

"The CGF is extremely disappointed with what has occurred in Glasgow which has led to the resignation of their chief executive John Scott and supports the position taken by the Chairman of the Organising Committee Lord Smith," Hooper told insidethegames here in the Sri Lankan capital where he is part of the CGF Evaluation Commission inspecting Hambantota's bid for the 2018 Games.

"In doing so however, the CGF also supports the disclosure of the circumstances that led to Mr Scott's resignation."

Scottish politicians demand to know reason for Scott resignation at Glasgow 2014

John Scott's shock resignation as chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has sparked a political row in Scotland with Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats all joining forces to claim that the SNP Government had handled the "situation very badly" with the affair even being compared to the current crisis that has engulfed FIFA, world football's governing body.

Scott stepped down from his £179,000 ($286,000) per year job yesterday after he admitted breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

He called it an "error of judgement" but mystery surrounds the exact circumstances behind the reasons for his resignation.

Labour Culture spokeswomen Patricia Ferguson claimed that the public have a right to know the full details of Scott's decision.

But Glasgow 2014 spokeswoman said it is a private limited company set up by the Government and Glasgow City Council alongside Games partners - the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

It is, she said, not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which gives taxpayers legal rights to see information from Scottish public authorities.

Ferguson said: "There must be full public disclosure immediately.

"The public have a right to know the reasons behind the resignation of the chief executive in mysterious circumstances.

"The reputation and integrity of the Games are at stake and they cannot afford to be tainted by this.

"The Scottish Government should also make clear if there is substance to media reports about a fall-out between the First Minister [Alex Salmond] and the chief executive."

Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser said: "The chief executive's resignation at such a crucial time is a serious blow to the 2014 Games, an event we all want to succeed.

"It is clear from the growing confusion that the SNP Government has handled this situation very badly and, by being so secretive, has in fact made it worse.

"The SNP must act now to remove the stench engulfing this affair, or total chaos will ensue."

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "If we are going to have confidence in the running of these Games and so they don't get caught up in the scandals of Olympics past and FIFA present, the Scottish Government needs to come clean.

"With hundreds of millions of taxpayers' money being spent on these Games, it is essential that we are given a proper explanation."

Scott resigns as chief executive of Glasgow 2014 after "error of judgement"

John Scott today resigned as the chief executive of the Organising Committee for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with immediate affect following an "error of judgement" involving a supplier.

He stepped down after he admitted breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

Lord Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said in a statement: "John Scott has made an important contribution to the planning of what we believe will be an outstanding Games.

"The Board has accepted his resignation today for an error of judgement he made in accepting, and not declaring, an offer from one of Glasgow 2014's potential suppliers, in breach of the Organising Committee's strict gifts and gratuities policy."

Scott had joined Glasgow 2014 in April 2008 from UK Sport, where he had been the·International Director and Director of Drug-Free Sport.

Smith said: "I know he deeply regrets this mistake and this was a job that he loved.

"It is a measure of the man that he has put the values and reputation of the OC ahead of his own at this time.

"John was largely responsible for setting the OC's high standards of governance and he felt he could not continue in his role as chief executive under the circumstances."

David Grevemberg, the chief operating officer, will take charge of the Organising Committee until a permanent appointment is made.

The American joined Glasgow in August 2009 having previously been executive director of sport and international federation relations at the International Paralympic Committee.

Smith said: "Now we must look to the future.

"We have a great team in the Organising Committee and a strong relationship with our Games Partners.

"We are on track and on budget and do not intend to let the pace of our preparations drop."

Scotland's Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison has reacted to the news.

She said: "John Scott has made a valuable contribution as chief executive of the Organising Committee.

"He played a leading role in ensuring the delivery of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow remains on schedule and within budget.

"However, the reputation and integrity of our Games is paramount and to that end I believe Mr Scott has done the right and principled thing in stepping down.

"The standards that apply in a company responsible to the public are of necessity higher than those which prevail in private business and I fully support the decision taken by the Organising Committee."

Vicky Strange joins Glasgow 2014 as head of sport competition

Vicky Strange, one of the key figures behind Scotland's medal success at last year's 2010 Commonwealth Games, has been appointed as the head of sport competition at Glasgow 2014, it has been announced.

Her primary focus will be the establishment of a sport competition functional area, which will become the largest and most visible element of the sport department across all 17 Games sports.

This will include leading on all sport-specific technical and operational planning, the development of technical officials for each sport and the recruitment and management of each sport-specific competition management team.

"Vicky's previous roles and experiences have enabled her to develop strong relationships with a variety of sporting stakeholders, particularly with each of our Scottish Sports Governing Bodies, as well as gaining valuable exposure to different international competitions," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive John Scott.

"Vicky's mix of qualifications, skills, experiences and adventures all ensure that she will be a great asset to the Glasgow 2014 team."

As well as playing a pivotal role in Team Scotland's second most successful Games performance as general team manager in Delhi, where they won a total of 26 medals, including nine gold, to finish tenth overall, Strange has also been involved in varying capacities at both the Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

In addition to her Commonwealth Games experience, she has undertaken a variety of high performance and sport development roles in Scotland and is extensively travelled, including a cycle tour from New Zealand back to Scotland.

On starting her new role, Strange said: "I have had the great privilege of working at three previous Commonwealth Games, but to be involved in a Games in your own country is something extra special.

"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games provide a fantastic opportunity for Scottish sport and I'm really excited to have the opportunity to play an integral part in staging a successful event for Scotland.

"Glasgow 2014 is to pride itself on being an outstanding athlete-centred and sport-focused Games of world-class competition so I am very much looking forward to ensuring we deliver this core value to our competing athletes."

In addition to her new role at Glasgow 2014, Strange will also continue to lead Scotland's team at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man in September as general team manager.

Louis Rosa to deliver Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay

Glasgow 2014 announces today that event management expert Louis Rosa will lead on one of the Commonwealth Games’ greatest traditions and the most complex event outside the Games themselves – the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The Queen’s Baton Relay has been the curtain-raiser to every Commonwealth Games since Cardiff 1958 and is a powerful representation of the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth of Nations. It symbolises the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said“Louis has an unrivalled track record in planning and delivering some of the most vibrant, logistically challenging and technologically advanced relay events the world has ever seen.

“He has a terrific history in multi-sport Games and it is with delight that I welcome him to Glasgow 2014 where he will once again be challenged to deliver a vital aspect of what will be an outstanding Games for Glasgow and for Scotland.”

Louis Rosa added:”I am thrilled to join the Glasgow 2014 team and I look forward to the challenge of producing the baton relay. I am sure that it will be an event that Scotland will embrace as its own and be a source of pride for all Scots as the relay travels throughout the Commonwealth and Scotland.”

Louis brings with him experience of seven major multi-sport Games with specific expertise of complex Baton Relay’s from two Commonwealth Games (Manchester 2002 and Delhi 2010) and Torch Relay expertise from the Beijing 2008 Olympics, two Winter Olympics (Torino 2006 and Vancouver 2010) and the Doha 2006 Asian Games.

He has also garnered experience from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and other major sporting occasions such as the 2003 Rugby World Cup where he managed the 100 day promotional build-up billed as the “True Colours Tour”.

A true global specialist in complex international events, Louis is proficient in every area of the process, directly managing and leading on every aspect from concept through to implementation and delivery including the recruitment of baton-bearers.

Louis is also a qualified accountant and has also held senior event and finance positions for numerous Games and other events organisations over the last 15 years.

Volunteers required for televised event in Edinburgh

A great opportunity for volunteers to be part of a televised event in Edinburgh to promote the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This volunteering opportunity is for participation in the Royal Mile Parade on Friday 1st July 2011.
Glasgow 2014 will have a presence at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, and will be participating in a procession down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. We are looking for volunteers who will represent the 71 Commonwealth Games Family countries to participate in this event, which will be attended by Her Majesty the Queen, MSP’s and dignitaries.
Applicants should be 18 or over and will be required to carry one of the 71 Commonwealth flags as part of the parade, and will be given a G2014 T-shirt to wear for the event and to keep as a souvenir. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Exact timings and location of the gathering will be confirmed closer to the time, with participants approximately taking part between 9am – 12pm.
There will be national and international live broadcasts, and be representations from national and local newspapers
Applicants are required to submit the following information by Thursday 23rd June 2011 direct to aimee.wilson@glasgow2014.com
Name:
Address (required for sending out parade passes in advance):
Contact Email:
Contact Telephone:

Glasgow 2014 to deliver some carnival Clow-t

Victoria Clow, a member of Team Scotland at Delhi 2010 and one of Scotland's young Commonwealth Games prospects for Glasgow 2014, will form part of a colourful showcase at the city's annual West End Festival.

Every year, Glaswegians look forward to the giant carnival that weaves its way through the city as part of the West End Festival with great anticipation, but this time, they will also await a chance to see Clow in action on "Festival Sunday" (June 5) as the city closes in on the milestone of three years to go.

The famous Mardi Gras parade involves over 800 participants and 10 samba bands, but very few will have the same credentials as rhythmic gymnast Clow.

Looking forward to being part of the celebrations, the 16-year-old Craigholme School pupil said: "The West End Festival is a fantastic event so I'm really excited about being involved in such a vibrant carnival – especially as part of the plans for Glasgow 2014.

"Representing Scotland in Delhi was an unbelievable experience but this will be another great stage for me as I continue preparations towards hopefully competing in my hometown in just over three years' time."

The festival, which runs from today until June 26, has over 600 events ranging from classical and choral music, folk, rock, jazz, theatre, dance, children's authors, guided walks to local gala days.

In 2010, more than 165,000 people attended free and ticketed events.

The famous "Festival Sunday" alone attracts tens of thousands from all over the city and central Scotland.

Exclusive: Management shake-up at Commonwealth Games England as adverts for top posts go out

Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has placed adverts in the national press seeking applicants for the posts of chief executive, sports director and commercial director, all of whom will be expected to oversee a crucial period for which the organisation has already drawn up a strategy programme.

"We will be generating a step change on the back of these appointments," CGE chairman Sir Andrew Foster told insidethegames.

"We are looking at a different sort of approach."

The impending changes to the management structure, Foster maintaims, are part of a general movement to make the CGE - which re-branded itself last year with the "WeAreEngland" logo – more attractive to sponsors.

"We already have a wealth of expertise on our board with people such as our President, Dame Kelly Holmes, Lawrence Dallaglio, David Robinson, who is CEO of Speedo, and Arsenal's marketing director  Angus Kinnear," Foster said.

"It is all a case of making it look to sponsors like a very supportable proposition."

It is also part of the CGE plan to move their head office from Crystal Palace to a more central location, while looking to save costs by sharing a property.

"Crystal Palace is a bit out of the way," Foster said, "and we want to be much more in view. We want to be alongside other major sporting organisations at the centre of things."

In the wake of the Delhi Games last year, where potentially disastrous event turned out to be a very successful one as far as English athletes were concerned - with more medals won at a Commonwealths abroad than ever before - the CGE has put in place a wide-ranging strategy document looking at key areas for change and improvement in the years of rich opportunity leading to the Glasgow 2014 Games.

Glasgow 2014 scores top marks from Commonwealth Games Associations

Commonwealth Games Associations from Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales claimed they were hugely impressed with preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games following a visit to the Scottish city this week to inspect the facilities for the event.

The Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA), who are responsible for ensuring the best possible representation from their country at the Games as well as the well-being of their athletes during competition, met key members of the Organising Committee during their three-day visit to Glasgow and attended a number of briefing sessions.

They also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the city as they went to see the Games Village and the various venue sites across Glasgow that will host the 11 days of sporting competition in three years' time.

Scott Stevenson, Canada's acting chief executive, said: "There is a clear consistency throughout the Organising Committee in the vision and approach towards 2014.

"The enthusiasm from everyone over the three days was exceptional and there is real blend of experience and creativity behind everything Glasgow 2014 is doing."

Don Parker, England's sports director said: "Glasgow is a fantastic city and really is on track to deliver a truly memorable Games.

"The city can only benefit from hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014; there is a compact feel about the location of the venues that we saw, relative to the Games Village – a crucial factor in allowing the Commonwealth's best athletes to compete at the highest level."

Jake Wilkins, New Zealand's team services drector said: "I was hugely impressed with Glasgow 2014's desire and commitment to re-define what it means to deliver a truly athlete centred Games and there is a real opportunity for this aim to be realised in 2014.

"These visits are crucial, it allows us to meet the team behind Glasgow 2014 and also gives us an insight of what to expect during the Games."

Jon Doig, Scotland's chief executive, said: "The ability for all CGA's to input directly into planning will have a direct outcome in ensuring a great Games for the athletes, the city and Scotland.

Chris Jenkins, Wales' chief executive, added: "There was a real openness from everyone we met at Glasgow 2014 and I was impressed by how far down the line Glasgow is already and in particular the venues already being developed like the Velodrome."

'Sport Your Trainers” on Commonwealth Day

Glasgow 2014 asks Scotland to “Sport Your Trainers” on Commonwealth Day

People across Scotland are being encouraged to wear their trainers on Commonwealth Day, March 14th, and support the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in a campaign launched by Glasgow 2014 Chairman Robert Smith and Commonwealth gold and silver medallist Robbie Renwick.

The national “Sport Your Trainers” day will encourage everyone from business leaders, schoolchildren and doctors to politicians, office workers and housewives to ditch their normal footwear and wear their trainers for the day in support of the Commonwealth Games.

“Sport Your Trainers” will be held annually on Commonwealth Day for the next three years, with information available from www.glasgow2014.com, where there are promotional posters to download for your place of work. All those planning to participate in the campaign are asked to visit the site and click the “I support Sport
Your Trainers” tab.

Glasgow 2014 is working with Local Authorities, BusinessClub Scotland, and schools, colleges and universities to gain support across the country.

Lord Robert Smith, Chairman of Glasgow 2014 said:

“The support we received from all over Scotland was a crucial factor in Glasgow winning the Commonwealth Games and I’m looking forward to seeing how people across the country will embrace this new idea and pop their trainers on for the day.

“This is the beginning of a six week campaign to get people to sign up online to Sport their trainers, so log on and grab your trainers!”

Commonwealth Gold and Silver medallist Robbie Renwick said:

“In a little over three years, Scotland will host one of the greatest-ever Commonwealth Games and “Sport Your Trainers” is a great way for everyone in Scotland to be directly involved in the preparations.

“We hope that hundreds of thousands of people, from Dumfries to Dundee and from Aberdeen to Arran, will show their support for Glasgow 2014 and wear their trainers to work, to school and as they go about their daily business on Monday
March 14th.

“To be chosen to stage the Games is a great source of pride for everyone in the country, and Sport Your Trainers is a wonderful opportunity for people to get involved and send a message that Glasgow will deliver an outstanding Games.”

Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison said:

“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games offer vast opportunities to put Scotland on the path to a healthier and more successful future.

“The Scottish Government’s legacy plan aims to inspire everyone in Scotland to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation. Alongside our own plans initiatives such as “Sport Your Trainers” will encourage people to make these lasting lifestyle changes.

“Scotland has a proud sporting record and the enthusiasm we are already seeing for the Games is second to none. I will be encouraging as many people as possible at Parliament and across the Scottish Government to join in and be part of this event in March.”

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

“I’ll certainly be wearing my trainers to work on Commonwealth Day and will be encouraging my fellow councillors and City Council employees to do the same. This is a fantastic opportunity to get Scotland behind the Games, as we approach three years to go to hosting the Games in Glasgow.”

Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Michael Cavanagh, said:

“With three and a half years to go, our athletes are already training hard, really excited about the prospect of representing Team Scotland at a home Games in Glasgow in 2014.

“Show your support for the Games and our athletes by wearing your trainers for “Sport Your Trainers” on Commonwealth Day. Make this the day when you commit to getting involved with the Games.”

Notes to Editors

1. The media campaign launched today will run for six weeks, where different professions and celebrities will publicise their support for the campaign.
2. The engagement campaign with local authorities, businesses, universities and colleges will also officially start, as we build up towards Commonwealth Day.
3. For enquiries on the campaign and requests for images please contact Alex Barr on 0141 333 9585 or Alan Garland on 07739 299360.
4. For general media enquiries about Glasgow 2014 or for interviews with any of the representatives please call Glasgow 2014 PR Manager Holly Wheeler on 0141 287 3457.

Glasgow 2014 Digital Game Competition

Students urged to enter landmark competition

Budding computer games designers are being given a unique opportunity to design a digital game for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Any student studying in Scotland is eligible for the competition which will see both the winner and runner up take home a cash prize of £2014.

In addition to this the winner will work with Dundee games development firm 4J Studios to transform their concept into a working game.

The game will then appear free-to-play on the official Glasgow 2014 website.

To enter the competition students must come up with a digital game concept which aligns with the ideals of the Commonwealth Games Federation – humanity, destiny and equality – and the Glasgow 2014 brand – living life to the full, endeavour, responsibility, stylish, genuine and fun.

Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison said:

"The games development sector is a Scottish success story and a vital part of our creative industries. As a result I have no doubt that the creativity and imagination of our students will result in a game that is fitting to mark the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland in 2014.

“This groundbreaking initiative is an opportunity for Scotland to stamp its own innovative character on the Games and reflect the success that already exists in our world renowned games sector.

“The 2014 Games will be an amazing experience for both Glasgow and Scotland. We are working hard to maximise the long term benefits and this contest will help contribute to that goal by encouraging creative talent and forging links between education and industry.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said:

“Scotland has a exceptional computer games industry and we want it to play an important part of Glasgow 2014, starting with this competition to get students involved in creating a game to go on our website.

“I can’t wait to see the designs that are submitted and to see the winning concept go from being on paper to a reality. Glasgow 2014 is all about getting people involved from across Scotland and inspiring people to strive to do their best. I hop that this competition achieves that.”

Studio Director at 4J Frank Arnot said:

"I am delighted that 4J Studios has been awarded the contract to develop the winning entry in the Scottish Government's Digital Game Contest and I am greatly looking forward to working together with the winning student to transform their concept into a finished product."

The judging panel will include renowned Scots game designer and entrepreneur Dave Jones who was involved in the creation of both Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto. At the launch he said:

“I am very much looking forward to judging the Scottish Government’s digital games contest which undoubtedly will see ideas to match the exciting occasion of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Background

The competition aims to further the Government’s Commonwealth Games legacy ambitions by boosting links between Higher Education Institutions and Scotland’s world-renowned creative digital media industry. The winning game will feature on the Glasgow 2014 website and will be freely available to anyone visiting the website for information on the forthcoming Games.

Entrants must be students currently studying either full time or part time in Scottish higher Education Institutions. The competition is open to students studying any course and is not restricted to those undertaking a computer science, game or art course. The competition is open for ten weeks until midnight on 4 April 2011.

The winning game will appear free-to-play on the official Glasgow 2014 website at www.glasgow2014.com

4J won the contract through the Public Contracts Scotland Portal’s open procedure.

Contact
Joni Smith : 0131 244 2701 / 07824 499 366

Going for Green at Glasgow 2014

Glasgow 2014, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government are holding a sustainability conference today (Friday) and have announced that they will aim to recycle or reuse at least 80% of waste that is produced during the 11 days of competition for the Commonwealth Games.

The announcement was made as the Partners set out a joint ambition to “Go for Green” at Glasgow 2014.  To mark the official start of this joint ambition, a short new animated film has been launched to illustrate the opportunities that all the Games Partners plan to take up over the next three and a half years. You can view the film here.

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and Games Partners aim to ensure that good standards of sustainability are met environmentally, economically and socially.  Good standards of sustainability will be met environmentally in the following ways:

- Remediation of contaminated land:  All new venues will have had the land decontaminated and cleaned before building began.

- Upgrading existing stadia and building in legacy:  Instead of building a new stadium, we are converting Hampden Park from a national football stadium into a world class athletics facility, reducing the impact upon the environment by transforming an existing facility as opposed to starting from scratch.  The SECC will also be completely transformed from an exhibition centre into a sports venue.

- A sustainable energy Centre will be built for the Athletes’ Village.  The NISA and Velodrome will be retro-fitted to it once it is available.

- Spectators will have free public transport within Glasgow with their sports tickets, reducing the amount of carbon emissions used by encouraging people to travel using sustainable transport.

Glasgow 2014 and the Games Partners have made a commitment to delivering good standards of sustainability through good economy:

- Low carbon housing: houses in the Athletes’ Village will be built using sustainable materials  These 750 homes within the Athletes' Village will produce 60% less carbon by cutting energy demand as a result of being well insulated and airtight.

- Procurement: Glasgow 2014 is using a web portal for the procurement of goods, services and works of all types and values.  This transparent tool will ensure that the organisers get the best value from the market.

Finally, ensuring that sustainability has a strong social aspect is crucial to delivering an outstanding Games with a positive legacy for people.  The Athletes’ Village will be built on a previously rundown 50-acre site bounded by London Road, the River Clyde, Springfield Road and Dalmarnock Road.  It will feature 758 houses and flats, and a 120-bed care home.  This new community will transform the east end of Glasgow.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said:

“Sustainability is crucial to staging an outstanding Games – we think it’s imperative that we act responsibly at every stage of the Games process, and part of that is ensuring that we act in the most beneficial way possible for the environment, in an economical way, that is in the best interests of local people in the long term.

“Glasgow in Gaelic translates as “Dear Green Place”, and that is exactly what we’re aiming for in 2014.”

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

 “We are confident that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be the greenest ever.  Some of the venues being built for the Games and the Athletes’ Village are going to use the latest ideas in reducing carbon and will be a strong indication of Glasgow’s approach to addressing climate change.
“The Games will leave the city an environmental and sustainable legacy, including improved land and air quality and innovative approaches to energy use and recycling.”

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said:

"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that environmental and sustainability issues are factored into all aspects of Glasgow 2014. This event will provide many Scots with the opportunity to live and travel more sustainably.

Secured by Design accredits Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village for 2014

Brian Sims follows the progress made to date in relation to security arrangements for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, which run from 23 July-3 August 2014 in Glasgow.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games represents the largest single security operation Scotland – and, in particular, the fine city of Glasgow – has faced in recent history.

The Games’ ideology is closely linked to the key themes supported by the Scottish Government, one of which is ‘safer and stronger communities’.

The 2014 Games are the twentieth event to be staged in the series and aim to reflect the renowned and respected friendliness and openness of the Scottish people, while at the same time providing a safe, secure and successful event.

There’s an overriding feeling that these apparently conflicting objectives can be met successfully if there’s an early consideration of the security requirements. Experience demonstrates that retrospect measures will inevitably undermine those principles.

If there’s to be an overall success for the 2014 Games, it’s vital that security measures are embedded throughout the entire process: from design, through the build stage and on to delivery of the event itself followed by the legacy.

Early awareness and consideration of security issues and requirements will also contribute to the longer term success and sustainability of the new communities created.

The Scottish Police Service, the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) can support architects, engineers, planners and developers in the creation of safe and secure environments.

Where does Secured by Design fit in?

Having proven the benefits of Secured by Design through academic research conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for the Built and Natural Environment, the partnership of Strathclyde Police, ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI) and GHA now have independent evidence of the benefits of Secured by Design.

The challenge thereafter lies in gaining access to key strategic forums to allow a police influence over the design and security requirements of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Village, and by doing so bring Secured by Design onto the international stage in developing the first SBD-accredited Commonwealth Games Village.

Incidents of international terrorism occurring nationally conspired to push security in the built environment up the agenda. While Counter-Terrorism Security Advisors would rightly retain responsibility for aspects of the Critical National Infrastructure, a significant proportion of architectural liaison officer (ALO) projects fall within the ‘soft targets and crowded places’ classification. Delivery of the Protect strand of the Government’s CONTEST strategy in such areas is by ALOs.

Throughout a rolling programme of continuous improvement, key project milestones were established to help visualise what success would look like when delivered and help drive the project forward.

The methodology employed over the course of the project has been to build the knowledge base and professional capacity among practising ALOs in order to drive up standards of service delivery. In turn, this will be supported by promotion of the service in a strategic context.

As quality was driven up by the new processes, confidence in the service grew and was accompanied by an increase in demand. Representation for Strathclyde Police was secured on a number of key strategic groups, including the Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership and the Glasgow Urban Design Panel.

Strathclyde Police also engaged with the redrafting of Glasgow’s local development plan, aka The City Plan. This led to a number of significant inclusions in support of the service, including the first explicit references to Secured by Design in a local development plan for Glasgow.

Strathclyde Police and the project team

The established partnership became particularly beneficial when Strathclyde Police was invited to become a member of Glasgow City Council’s project team to assess the bids for developing the Games’ Village and then devise the security requirements for the procurement process.

As part of the City Council’s procurement process, Strathclyde Police assessed proposals from each consortium bidding to gain preferred contractor status. The proposals included plans in relation to both security in overlay mode (ie ‘Games time’) and Secured by Design in legacy mode.

The project team provided constructive feedback to all bidders in relation to the requirements of Secured by Design, as well as advice to Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on the likelihood of each proposal achieving Secured by Design accreditation.

Throughout this period, Strathclyde Police had the full support of the CPNI in providing briefings and accredited training to key partners such as architects, planning officers and civil engineers. The level of joint training undertaken significantly contributed to the ease of communication and level of support from partner agencies.

It also led to some of the key successes already achieved in relation to incorporating protective security measures during the design phase.

Delivering a lasting Games legacy

The 2014 Commonwealth Games represents the biggest sporting event Scotland can attract, and is second only to the Olympic Games in terms of global significance.

Build programmes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games are already well underway and will comprise 13 major sporting venues (70% of them are already in place).

The ‘centrepiece’ of the Games will undoubtedly be the Athlete’s Village, a new development designed to accommodate 7,500 competitors and 1,500 officials.

The Games Village is going to be located in the Dalmarnock area of Glasgow and comprises a 38.5 hectare site. The existing area is, in essence, a brown field site with a light industrial history.

The masterplan for the Athletes’ Village draws heavily on that developed for Melbourne prior to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which was deemed by participants to be the ‘best Games venue ever’.

It will comprise three main zones, namely the athletes’ Residential Zone, the International Zone and the Service Zone (including the transport hub). For the purposes of the Games, the Athletes’ Village will provide approximately 1,000 residential units.

In delivering the legacy there will be in excess of 1,200 homes for both the public and private sectors, all of which will achieve Secured by Design accreditation. For the Games, all residential space provision within these units will include bedrooms, toilets and shower facilities. Catering will be provided through temporary structures.

The International Zone will provide a ceremonial area, shopping complex, media facilities, entertainment complex, conference and meeting areas and a VIP reception area. It will also serve as the Security Management Centre for the entire site area.

The Service Zone will accommodate a 2,000-seat restaurant, a religious centre, gymnasium and training facilities, the Games Management Centre and facilities for the emergency services.

Build standards and post-Games legacy

The ALO unit met with Sports Scotland in respect of the build programmes for the other sporting venues associated with the Games.

This level of engagement provides the opportunity for delivery of the architectural liaison service for all venues, and to consider the preventative and protective security requirements needed for each site.

Every opportunity was taken to align build standards with CPTED and Secured by Design principles.

Part of the main legacy from the Games will be the new residential area in Dalmarnock and the associated transport, commercial and leisure infrastructure.

Following the Games, the greater part of the International and Service Zones will be dismantled and an additional 500 residential units duly built. All existing residential units will be retrofitted for normal family living.

In addition to the obvious physical legacy of the Games, it’s vital to consider this element within a wider physical, socio and economic legacy. It’s therefore important that as much as possible of the investment made in the Games is retained.

There’s little doubt that the 2014 Commonwealth Games can serve as a springboard for the future development and well-being of Glasgow’s East End, whereby it can become an exemplar in terms of a community that reflects the Government’s aspiration of a wealthier, healthier, safer and stronger, smarter and greener Scotland.

Not only that, it also has the potential to become a flagship Secured by Design development.

Shooting in sight with new target centre for 2014 games

A SHOOTING centre that could be used to host events for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and to train top athletes has won backing from the Scottish Government.
Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport, agreed to offer support from Sportscotland for the £4.5 million development near Livingston.

The national sports agency plans to help develop a business case for the shooting centre's proposal,put forward by the Scottish Target Shooting Federation (STSF).

In a letter seen by the Evening News, she told the chairman of STSF that she hoped there was a "genuine prospect of making (the] proposal viable and financially sustainable".

The creation of a national shooting centre at Morton Farm already has the support of Lothian and Borders Police.

It would lead to a major expansion for an existing clay pigeon shooting site, which STSF believes will create a "long-lasting legacy" once the 2014 games are finished by hosting international events.

During the games, it would host pistol, rifle, clay pigeon, smallbore rifle and archery events.

Currently there are no purpose-built facilities in Scotland for training target shooters that mimic the conditions and layout of international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

Ms Robison said: "There is merit in exploring the feasibility of using the Morton site to develop a fit-for-purpose training venue. I feel that such a facility offers a tangible and achievable prospect, would be welcomed by our athletes and would provide the sport with a permanent legacy long after the 2014 games."

Paul Nelson, who owns the site proposed for expansion, the Morton Clay Targets shooting ground, welcomed the latest development. He said: "It's certainly something that's needed in Scotland. It's more a long-term than a short-term venture that's always going to prepare shooters for Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

"If you look at when our athletes came back from Delhi, 60 to 70 per cent of our medals were through shooting, so this is something that could hugely benefit athletes. It is hoped that the police and army will use the base for firearms training."

He added: "Having something like this would take the fear factor away when it comes to guns. People who want to own guns can be trained responsibly."

The STSF is already in discussions with police about licensing and security aspects. Glasgow 2014 officials have inspected the site and will make a selection on whether it will host events at a later date.

Colin Watson, from Edinburgh, a council member of the Scottish Smallbore Rifle Association, said: "As things stand, there are no purpose-built facilities in Scotland for training target shooters.

Working with smaller club set-ups, currently athletes with any promise have to go to training camps abroad, sometimes at their own expense. Recently, this has meant South Africa and Finland, or at the very least the south of England. In continental Europe, such facilities are embarrassingly common.

"The desire to let Sportscotland help out with a new proposal means there is a high likelihood it would find favour. That would be welcomed by target shooters across the country."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The minister has made an offer of support to help the shooting governing bodies develop a sound business case for a training facility which would be welcomed by Scottish athletes and would provide a legacy for the sport long after 2014. We hope that the governing bodies will respond positively to this offer."

UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 Sign Commonwealth Games Agreement to Develop Anti-doping Strategy

UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 have signed an agreement to work together to develop a robust anti-doping strategy for the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.


UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014 have signed an agreement to work together to develop a robust anti-doping strategy for the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Key elements of the agreement include;

    *     Assessing the anti-doping requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation and how Glasgow 2014 will deliver them in the lead-up to the Games and at Games time
    *     Sharing best practices regarding anti-doping, including those identified from UK Anti-Doping's experience in the delivery of major events in the UK
    *     The development and promotion of anti-doping education initiatives for the Games to support any existing World Anti-Doping Agency education programmes, and
    *     Ensuring that anti-doping for the Games complements existing efforts by UK Anti-Doping in the efforts to combat doping in sport.

UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Andy Parkinson, said: “UK Anti-Doping is delighted to work with and support the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in developing a comprehensive anti-doping strategy for the event. The Glasgow Games represent another major global event in the UK and we look forward to playing our part in assisting with the delivery of a high quality anti-doping programme.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, John Scott, said: “A strong anti-doping strategy is a key element in ensuring that all athletes have a level playing field to set high standards across all sports and events at the Games. As part of this agreement, we hope to gain from UK Anti-Doping's extensive knowledge and excellent track record in delivering anti-doping programmes for major events in the UK.”

Minister for Public Health and Sport, Shona Robison, said: “The Scottish Government welcomes this agreement between UK Anti-Doping and Glasgow 2014. This collaboration sends a strong message to any athlete thinking about cheating to better their performance at the 2014 Games. The expertise, knowledge and advice UK Anti-Doping will offer through its world class anti-doping programmes will ensure fair play is adhered to at all times at Glasgow 2014.”

Notes to Editors

UK Anti-Doping

UK Anti-Doping is the National Anti-Doping Organisation for the UK.

UK Anti-Doping has responsibility for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through implementation and management of the UK's National Anti-Doping Policy.

UK Anti-Doping's functions include an education and information programme, athlete testing across more than 40 sports, intelligence management and exclusive results management authority for the determination of anti-doping rule violations.

Accountable to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Anti-Doping has a very clear remit in anti-doping in the UK and plays a lead role in the fight against doping in sport.

Glasgow 2014 seeks head of marketing

The Commonwealth Games 2014 organising committee in Glasgow has begun its search for a head of marketing and advertising.

Reporting into John Donnelly, director of marketing and sponsorship, the committee aims that the appointed person will oversee all aspects of marketing and advertising for the 2014 Games.

One of the roles key responsibilities will be to implement a brand identity programme for Glasgow 2014 and create the look and feel surrounding the Games, creating a team to deliver marketing targets.

The vacancy was advertised this week by the organizing committee, with interviews set to take place in the first week of November.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow - Scottish Sports Arena

Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasgow
Glasgow - host for 2014 Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games Development Teams
Four consortia shortlisted to develop £245m Commonwealth Games Village:
- Broadway Malyan Consortium
- City Legacy Consortium led by Davis Langdon with RMJM, Cruden Estates, McTaggart & Mickel, Citybuilding and CCG
- Gladedale Consortium
- The PPD Consortium led by developer Charles Price with Mace, Caledonian Building, Woogar Hunter, DTZ with Elder and Cannon Architects, gm+ad Architects, Ian Simpson Architects (masterplan architect), Nord Architecture and Reiach and Hall Architects.

 Broadway Malyan's team, of Arup, Drivers Jonas and regeneration company New City Vision, is still to appoint a contractor to bid with, while the Gladedale Consortium, with Bellway Homes and Citta Property Group, the Australian developer which built the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, is in discussions with three architects to join its team.

The four consortiums were officially ratified by Glasgow City Council and will now enter into a competitive dialogue process with them. Two consortiums will be shortlisted by the end of 2008, with a successful team chosen by summer 2009.

The winning bidder will build up to 1,500 homes in the east end of Glasgow. These will house 8,000 athletes during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and provide a mixture of private and affordable homes after the Commonwealth Games end.

Commonwealth Games Village Land

Glasgow City Council's Executive Committee has approved plans to acquire the most significant piece of land at the site for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village.
21 Aug 2008

Commonwealth Games Organisation

Chief Exec & Operating body similar to London Olympics’ ODA to be created by Glasgow City Council according to a report in latest Building magazine. The estimated £500m of associated works is dominated by the £245m Athlete’s Village. Nov 2007
Commonwealth Games Glasgow - Facilties & Venues
Athlete’s Village, Dalmarnock

Est. £245m
Commonwealth Games athletes village

Commonwealth Games Sports Arena, East End

Est. £76m
National Indoor Sports Arena

National Entertainment Arena, adj. SECC, West End
venue for gymnastics + netball
National Indoor Sports Arena Glasgow
Est. £112m
Commonwealth Games Entertainment Arena

Aquatics Centre, Tollcross Park, east Glasgow
Swimming Pool + Auditorium
Est. £12.5m

Glasgow Green redevelopment
Venue for hockey, marathon + cycle track
Est. £3m

Hampden Park redevelopment, south Glasgow
Est. £21m

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

17 sports, 11 days of competition, 1 host city
17 sports are played over 11 days of competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 10 of these are core sports - they are always played and their medals competed for. 7 have been selected by the host city from a choice of sixteen. The result will make for an interesting and varied programme. To find out what Glasgow 2014 has gone for, click here

"We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen."

First Minister, Alex Salmond, on Scotland's winning bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games

EventScotland contributed £1.5 million in support of the Commonwealth Games 2014 bid and has since worked to attract and secure a range of events for the city.

From the 10th World Team Badminton Championships – Sudirman Cup to the FISA World Rowing Under 23 Championships, sporting events showcase Glasgow as a world leading events destination and reinforce the city’s credentials as the best candidate city for the 2014 Games.

EventScotland continues to work with local partners to invest in test events to promote Glasgow’s profile as an international event destination. And in December 2008 EventScotland announced its intention to lead a bid to host a stage of the UCI’s prestigious track cycling World Cup at the future Glasgow velodrome. Working with Culture and Sport Glasgow and British Cycling the agency’s aim is to secure the event for the winter of 2012/2013.

For further information, please visit the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games website. http://www.glasgow2014.com/