Commonwealth games: 2002 chief gets Glasgow role

The Scot who chaired the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester has been appointed as an advisor to Glasgow 2014 bosses.

The Glasgow Commonwealth games will feature the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Picture: Getty

Sir Charles Allen, who also acted as a non-executive director of the London Olympic Committee, will share his experience with the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee being led by Lord Smith of Kelvin.

Sir Craig Reedie, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, has also been appointed to Lord Smith’s executive counsel.

Announcing the honorary roles, he said: “I am delighted that global Games experts of the calibre of Sir Craig and Sir Charles have agreed to offer their considerable wisdom and experience to Glasgow 2014.

Confidence

“To have these two distinguished Scots join our team is a tremendous vote of confidence and I look forward to the part they will play in Glasgow and Scotland delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games of which we can all be proud.”

Sir Charles said: “Having had the opportunity to see at close quarters the powerful and positive impact of the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had on athletes, spectators and the nation as a whole, it’s a genuine pleasure to play a part in helping Glasgow and Scotland maximise the sporting and cultural opportunities presented by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Support

Sir Craig said: “The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games give the city and Scotland a real opportunity on a global stage to demonstrate ability to deliver world-class multi-sports events.

“As both a passionate Scot and sports fan who was involved in the successful 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh as director of the Badminton events, I am delighted to be sharing the journey to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games at close quarters and to lend my support to what I know will be an exciting event and a great opportunity to create history.”