This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New group to ensure 'athlete-centred' Games
08/09/2006
A special Athletes Commission has been set up to examine all aspects of Scotland's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The group of a dozen high profile current and former athletes, includes Chris Hoy, Lee McConnell and Yvonne Murray. In total, the members of the Commission have experience of six Commonwealth Games and, between them, have won 17 medals for Scotland.
Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson today said that involving sportsmen and women in the bid would mean that Glasgow's Games will be athlete centred and athlete approved.
She said:
"This group of Scottish sporting heroes bring with them knowledge of major Games and an understanding of what athletes need in order to be at their best. They have the expertise, but they also have the desire to win. They know how much this means. They know what is at stake.
"We all want to win the race for 2014. With the help of the athletes and the backing of Scots everywhere, it is a race we can win."
Louise Martin, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, said:
"I am delighted that so many of our finest athletes have signed up to join the team working to bring the Games to Scotland. They have been at the heart of our proud sporting history and now they are playing their part in making sure that we have an equally proud future.
"They will make sure that we have the right venues, great transport plans and that our cultural programme can be enjoyed by athletes and spectators alike. Their knowledge strengthens our Bid."
Cycling champion Chris Hoy said:
"I am proud to be involved in the Athletes Commission. We are all passionate about supporting Glasgow's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"The Commission is important because it allows us, the athletes, to offer guidance and input as Glasgow's bid takes shape."
The members of the Commission are:
- Chris Hoy, Cycling
- Lee McConnell, Athletics
- Kate Cullen, Cycling
- Tommy Yule, Weightlifting
- Rhona Simpson, Hockey
- Kay Moran, Lawn Bowls
- Yvonne Murray, Athletics
- Steve Frew, Gymnastics
- Adam Cox, Gymnastics
- Shirley Webb, Athletics
- Susan Jackson, Shooting
- Chris Baillie, Athletics
Scotland's bid document has to be submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation in May 2007.
The evaluation committee will visit the city in Summer 2007, with a final decision being made in November 2007.