With less than two years to go until the next Commonwealth Games, the 2014 host city has unveiled the official mascot. Clyde will be the symbol of the Glasgow 2014 Games and will feature in advertising and promotional material in the countdown to the competition and during the Games. The organising committee describe him as a ‘patriotic and adventurous thistle who will be the friendly face of the Games’. He made a dramatic entrance as he was unveiled to the world at BBC Scotland’s HQ in Glasgow, located appropriately on the banks on the world-famous river that inspired his name. Clyde was welcomed on stage by Olympic swimming stars Rebecca Adlington and Michael Jamieson. Along with 150 school pupils from across Glasgow they heard for the first time Clyde’s magical story – as told by actor, comedian and Glasgow 2014 Ambassador Billy Connolly, who narrated an animated film which premiered at the launch. The film can be viewed at http://mascot.glasgow2014.com/#/story.
Clyde’s creator is 12-year-old Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld who won a UK-wide competition to design the Glasgow 2014 Mascot. The announcement of the official mascot is another milestone in the countdown to the next Commonwealth Games which represent the highest sporting stage upon which the Isle of Man can compete as an independent country. Juliet Holt, President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, commented:
“The announcement of the official mascot is always a reminder that preparations are well under way for the next Games. It’s just under two years to Glasgow 2014, however, for competitors aiming to win selection I’m sure that time will pass very quickly. For Team Isle of Man the Commonwealth Games always have a special significance. But with the fantastic venues and enthusiastic support which Glasgow will provide it gives all potential Team Isle of Man competitors even more motivation as they train hard over the coming months.”
Glasgow 2014 Ambassador Billy Connolly said:
“Clyde’s a great wee thistle and it’s a very, very good idea and a fantastic design by Beth. The thistle is the perfect choice and has a great history and meaning in Scotland, plus Clyde’s got a smashing haircut that makes him very modern and gives him a lovely edge!”
The Isle of Man will be one of 71 nations competing in Glasgow between July 23 and August 3, 2014. The Games will see competition over 11 days in 17 sports. At the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi two years ago Team Isle of Man won two bronze medals -
Mark Christian in the track cycling scratch race, and Tim Kneale in the double trap shooting event. The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association is responsible for the publicity, fundraising, travel and support for Team Isle of Man’s participation at the Commonwealth Games. It is a registered charity and relies upon fundraising events and donations to fund Team Isle of Man’s participation at the Commonwealth Games. Donations to support Team Isle of Man can be made at www.cga.im
Photo caption - Clyde, the official mascot for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
