Billy Connolly unveiled as Glasgow 2014 ambassador

By SHÂN ROSS
Published on 19/09/2012 17:38

COMEDIAN Billy Connolly has been announced as the latest high-profile ambassador for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Connolly, a Freeman of the City, joins fellow Glasgow 2014 ambassadors Sir Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington, and will play a key role in what is being billed as Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event.

Connolly, 69, who was born and brought up in the city, said: “I know that the people of Glasgow will enjoy the Games immensely, the whole of Scotland will.

“We are a nation that welcomes all visitors with a smiling face. The goodwill of Scots will stand forever, we will always have that.”

The Big Yin will make his first contribution to the Games when a special animated film, which he narrates, is shown at the unveiling of the Glasgow 2014 Mascot this morning.

“There is nothing more important than getting young people involved, without the youth of today creating a momentum behind an event, nothing is taken forward,” he said.

“By engaging with children in the design of the mascot, a buzz has been created – you can feel the excitement for the Games already.”

Connolly also said Glasgow was a “great city of partners” and would have no difficulty recruiting over 15,000 volunteers to help with the Games which are being staged from 23 July to 3 August, 2014.