Angus gears up to receive athletes

AS SIR Chris Hoy kickstarted Glasgow’s oneyear countdown to the Commonwealth Games, Tayside is ready to play its part.

The opening ceremony for the largest multisport event ever hosted in Scotland will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow on July 23 next year.

An 11-day quest for medals will follow as 71 nations compete in 17 sports from badminton to boxing.

The army range at Barry Buddon, by Carnoustie, will be used for all shooting events at the Games.

Yesterday, Angus provost Helen Oswald said local people were “very excited” to be hosting the event. She added: “The eyes of the world will be on Angus, but we can cope with that.”

Around 350 Commonwealth athletes, dozens of officials and event organisers are expected at Barry Buddon.

Dundee and Angus councils are working together to create a Commonwealth Games satellite athletes’ village in the city and at the shooting venue.

Meanwhile, an army of 15,000 volunteers has been recruited to make sure the 20th Games run as smoothly as possible.

Cycling legend Sir Chris said: “Glasgow 2014 is the biggest sporting occasion ever seen in Scotland and the next opportunity to see a wealth of top athletes and the next generation of superstars in action.”

While the athletes step up their training over the next year, the Games organisers aim to ensure ticketing, transport, accommodation and venues are up to standard.

Most of the venues are ready for competition, including the purpose-built Emirates Arena, which houses the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Hampden stadium is still to be converted for the track and field events, and Ibrox stadium will host the rugby sevens rather than its regular football.

The SECC will host sports including gymnastics, boxing and weightlifting.