London Olympics 2012: SNP send good-luck message to the ‘Scolympians’

Published on 27/07/2012 03:45

THE Scottish Government has sent a good-luck message to Scotland’s Olympians.

The video features five members of the Cabinet and was recorded for the country’s 54 Olympians and 23 Paralympians, whom ministers have dubbed “Scolympians”.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The eyes of the world are on the Olympics and the whole of Scotland is united in supporting our Olympians and Paralympians, our Scolympians, to go for gold. Every member of Team GB has worked exceptionally hard to get to this point and now stands on the cusp of greatness. I wish everyone taking part in London 2012 the very best of luck.”

The minute-long video, which features Mr Salmond, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, finance secretary John Swinney, justice secretary Kenny MacAskill and education secretary Michael Russell, has been posted online.

In it, the ministers say: “London 2012 is here and the whole of Scotland is united in supporting you, Scotland’s Olympic athletes, to go for gold.

“We are proud of all 54 Scottish Olympians and 23 Paralympians. You join an elite band of Scottish sporting heroes: from Eric Liddell’s movie-inspiring win in Paris in 1924 to Sir Chris Hoy’s record-breaking four gold medals. We are proud of the Scottish talent hailing from our shores.

“In June, over 450,000 people lined Scotland’s streets to see the Olympic flame tour our communities and our most iconic landmarks. Our torchbearers captured the nation’s imagination and have been an inspiration to us all. The eyes of the world are now on London – and this is your moment.”

Cycling’s Sir Chris and Wimbledon finalist Andy Murray are two of the Scots hoping to make the country proud.

Sir Chris, from Edinburgh, has four gold medals and a silver from three previous Games. He was recently confirmed as the flag bearer for the British team.

Murray, from Dunblane, is the only British tennis player seeded at the Olympics. Swimmer Hannah Miley, of Inverurie, is competing in the 200m and 400m individual medley, while Glasgow’s Robbie Renwick will be in the pool for the 200m and 400m freestyle events. Eilish McColgan, daughter of Olympic 10,000m silver-medallist Liz, will run in the 3,000m steeplechase.