'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.