Category Archives: Sport

Active, athletes, Sport, Team Scotland

GLASGOW 2014 MEDALLISTS PAY AN INSPIRATIONAL VISIT TO SOUTH LANARKSHIRE SCHOOL

 Commonwealth Games gold medallists Kimberley and Louise Renicks were at St Mary’s Primary School in Hamilton today as part of a series of athletes’ school visits which are taking place across the country until the end of the year.

Through Game on Scotland, a Legacy 2014 programme delivered by a partnership between the Scottish Government, Education Scotland, Glasgow 2014 and Glasgow City Council, schools the length and breadth of Scotland have been applying for the chance to receive a visit from one of Team Scotland’s athletes.

The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, will give pupils a valuable insight into the life of a professional athlete, providing inspiration for all aspects of their lives with focus on the importance of personal qualities such as discipline, determination, aspiration and sportsmanship.

Sixty schools in Scotland are benefitting from a visit, with athletes including Steph Inglis (Judo), Sean Docherty (table tennis), Lee Craigie (mountain biking) and Vikki Bounce (hockey)  already confirmed.

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for the Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: “Game On Scotland, run by Education Scotland, has been a massive success, using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning across the curriculum with over 250,000 pupils in Scotland connected with the programme.

“It is brilliant to see the legacy of Glasgow 2014 being extended for learners in such an interactive way and I hope the athletes’ visits will provide yet more exciting memories for the pupils to cherish.”

Klaus Mayer, development officer at Education Scotland, said: Building on the overwhelming success of the Commonwealth Games and the learning experiences young people have been enriched with as a result, Game On Scotland now aims to provide opportunities to continue its legacy.  Through the visit programme athletes and young people can share their visions for the future and inspire each other to be the best they can be whatever the context.  

Louise Renicks said: “Kimberley and I feel privileged to be able to share our experiences as athletes with learners through the Game On Scotland visits programme.  We believe as role models we can inspire young people to be the best they can be in life, no matter what their circumstances, preferences or abilities. We really enjoy contributing to the learning experiences in schools by sharing our skills, talking about failure and success and discipline as well as promoting values such as fairness and sportsmanship. ”

Gerry Campbell, general manager of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: “The success of Glasgow 2014 has provided a great opportunity for a whole host of agencies to use the positive images of sport and physical activity from Glasgow 2014 to inspire young people and others to engage in sport. Visits to local schools and sports clubs by athletes from Team Scotland are highly motivational and South Lanarkshire welcome any opportunity to get involved in such visits”

Educational resources, Equality and Inclusion, event, Games Legacy, International partnerships, Sport

Spotlight on Australia

Game on Scotland is supporting youngsters across the globe as they explore learning inspired by the XX Commonwealth Games.

In New South Wales there is a real spotlight on Health and Wellbeing. 1st Oak Park Joey Scouts and ensuring youngsters start as they mean to go on by exploring why exercise and healthy diet are important. Knoxfield Primary, Melbourne continue with the Healthy theme, setting themselves a Healthy Eating challenge.  They will also focus on the challenges of countries across the Commonwealth – both the challenges they face within individual countries as well as the challenge to enter a team of athletes to participate in Games events.  Students in Monash Special Developmental School are playing the different Commonwealth sports and St Philip’s Community School are running a two week themed event which has a range of sporting events as well as crafts and afternoon tea – sounds lovely.

In Western Australia Year 1 students are learning about other cultures and developing a greater awareness of tolerance and understanding. By focusing on Commonwealth countries, students can begin to appreciate opportunities available across the world, how they themselves fit into this and how they can use this purposefully as they grow and learn.

In South Australia over 400 students in Risdon Park Primary are buddying up to compete in a Commonwealth Sporting extravaganza. Each class will also research and study a Commonwealth country and share their learning at an assembly. Over in Blackfriars Priory School, there has been an explosion of “Spud-letes”. We were intrigued by the Spud-letes (athletes made from potato). Students are busy creating their Spud-lete, putting together their profile, autobiography, vital statistics etc. Spud-lete’s will represent different Commonwealth countries across a range of events – “Spud-put”, “Spud-vault”. Students will then measure, record and display results alongside their Commonwealth Country statistics and information. Here at Education Scotland we can’t wait to see pictures of the Spud-letic Games, and we will share these with you!

As you might expect, schools in the Queensland area are beginning to get excited about the XX Commonwealth Games and the prospect of them being handed over to GOLD Coast Organising Committee in a few short weeks.

Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment are already exploring ways in which they can best support students to learn more about the culture, customs and people across the Commonwealth. Their eLearning platform Scootle is already filling up with resources, learning ideas and competitions all aimed at helping students embrace cultural studies of the Commonwealth and develop local community partnerships.

Musgrave Hill and Park Lake State Schools are already hard at work in digital design of a mascot that they hope will be photographed across the Commonwealth. They are keen to compare the view from their own school with those of others across the Commonwealth, discovering similarities and celebrating differences in lifestyle and location. Year 5 students in Bounty Boulevard State School have a 100 days of learning Diary Challenge using the Kids Journal App for iPad. Stories will be shared with buddies in the upper school as well as North Lakes elderly community – where it is hoped students will gain some interesting tales of days gone by. Up on the Sunshine Coast, Glasshouse Country Christian College are holding an Athletics Carnival showcasing a range of Commonwealth events. In preparation for this, students will keep a journal of their training efforts and accomplishments.

Finally, Year 4 students at Mudgeerabab Creek State School have been set a challenge to design a drink bottle suitable for an athlete to use. The bottle needs to be suitable for a range of sports with youngsters drawing on their scientific knowledge of both natural and processed materials in a bid to identify the best option for their bottle. Prototypes will be put to the test during Mudgeeraba Creek’s own Commonwealth Games event as students compete over a range of sporting events.

Wow! We are excited reading about all the interesting activities planned in Australia over the next few weeks and months in celebration of the Games. We are sure that this is the first rung on the exciting ladder leading up to the XXI Commonwealth Games 2018 in Queensland – now less than 3,800 days away!

athletes, Equality and Inclusion, Glasgow 2014, Glow Meet, Queen's Baton Relay, Sport

Exclusively on Glow: The Athletes, Games and Queen’s Baton

Over the next 3 weeks Game On Scotland is delighted to be able to present you with an exciting series of Glow Meets for learners to hear from top Scottish athletes and post their questions to them.
These sessions will include athletes such as Colin Gregor (Rugby 7s Captain), Eilish McColgan (athletics), Meggan Dawson-Farrell (wheelchair racer) as well as presenter and adventurer, Mark Beaumont.

Joining the first session tomorrow may also win you a Clyde Doll. The best question posted will be selected as the winner.

The following sessions will be on offer:

 Meet the Athletes 1:   Sport in a Global Context
4 June, 10.00 am
Register:  bit.ly/1oBejJF  

Join Colin Gregor, captain of the Rugby 7s Team, Audrey McIntosh, the first Scot to complete an Antarctic marathon and 100k run in just 3 days as well as Angie Malone, British Wheelchair Curling team and Bronze medal winner from Sochi 2014, to hear about their extraordinary achievements as well as their views on global issues such as gender equality and inclusion.

This session will be followed by:

Athletes Challenge Global Issues – Workshop
4 June,  11.00 am
Register: bit.ly/1mxSGVQ

Learners from St Blane’s Primary in Blantyre will begin the workshop by presenting their findings from research carried out on tribal conflict in Rwanda and sectarianism in Scotland. The presenting group will be taking questions from the Glow audience and posing a some questions of their own to challenge learners participating on Glow. Leaners will provide an opportunity to get involved in a comparative discussing focused on tribal conflict in Rwanda and sectarianism in Scotland.

Meet the Athletes 2: Preparing for the Games
9 June,  11.00 am
Register: http://bit.ly/meettheathletes1

Eilish McColgan (3000m steeplechase), Ailsa Wylie (hockey striker), Meggan Dawson-Farrell (wheelchair racer) and Sean Docherty (table tennis) will share their excitement about the Games with you and tell you what it takes to be at the top of your game. They are looking forward to meet you and answer the questions you may have for them live on Glow. See you all on the 9th June!

Mark Beaumont presents: The Queens Baton Relay!
16 June, 11.00 am
Register: http://bit.ly/queensbaton

This exclusive session will be presented live by Mark Beaumont from a school in Midlothian. Mark will share his rich experiences following the baton around all the 70 nations and territories and answer your questions as we go along. He will also introduce you to some special guests joining him that morning. This session is one you don’t want to miss!

The Team behind the Games: Meet the Glasgow 2014 Staff
20 June,  11.00 am
Register: http://bit.ly/glasgow2014staff

This is your chance to find out about the people who are involved in the organisation and running of the Games. You will receive insider information about a variety of aspects from the Games creators and be able to ask them the question only they will be able to answer.
Game On!

Your
Game On Scotland Team

athletes, Educational resources, Glasgow 2014, Sport

Support Your Favourite Athlete – Download Team Scotland Posters For Free!

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GoScotland_EilidhChild
Back in January with 200 days to go until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) released a new set of athlete images depicting ‘ones to watch’. Such has been their popularity that CGS has made them available as posters to download free of charge so you can get to know some of the faces of Team Scotland who will be representing us in Glasgow this summer.

Download the posters now at www.goscotland.org/download-posters-2

The 11 photos have been taken at iconic locations around Scotland, with some of Team Scotland’s prospective team members and medal hopefuls.

The strong common theme of the photos is ‘Proud’ and is a clear demonstration of what it means for athletes from across the length and breadth of the country to represent Team Scotland in Glasgow next summer.

The fabulous and striking images have been created by Glasgow photographers Alistair Devine and Stuart Gray and build on the set of images shot at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and launched in April 2013 to mark the start of the athlete selection period (access those posters here).

Calling for the Scottish public to get behind the team, as they start the final leg of their journey to the Games, 400m hurdler Eilidh Child said: “These amazing photos show just how much it means to all of the athletes to represent Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games this year.

“It was a real privilege to have been chosen as one of the athletes to take part in the project. I hope they inspire everyone to cheer us on all the way and I for one am determined to do Scotland proud next summer at Hampden Park.”

From Eilean Donan Castle at Kyle of Lochalsh to the beaches of Carnoustie and Edinburgh Castle and Forth Rail Bridge the images depict the magic that Scotland has to offer as a place to live, work, visit and of course host major sporting events. The Falkirk Wheel and the Wallace Monument are also featured, with aim to make the whole of Scotland feel part of the Games.

Glasgow based images showcase a number of the Games competition venues in Kelvingrove, Hampden Park and the stunning new SSE Hydro, whilst the cranes of the BAE Systems shipyard at Govan on the Clyde remind us of our strong industrial heritage and technological innovation.

The images will be used throughout Team Scotland’s back the team campaign – ‘Go Scotland!’

Photo list:
Athletics – Eilidh Child, Hampden Park, Glasgow
Para-Sport Athletics – Meggan Dawson-Farrell, Falkirk Wheel
Badminton – Imogen Bankier, Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh
Boxing – Josh Taylor, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Cycling – Katie Archibald, Forth Rail Bridge, North Queensferry
Gymnastics – Dan Purvis, SSE Hydro, Glasgow
Judo – Euan Burton, Wallace Monument, Stirling
Lawn Bowls – Alex Marshall MBE, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow
Shooting – Shona Marshall, Carnoustie
Para-Sport Powerlifting – Micky Yule, BAE Systems, Govan, Glasgow

Images for the remaining eight sports will be released shortly.

You can find out more about Team Scotland on the Game On Scotland website.

Active, Glow Meet, H&W, Sport

Meet the athletes….

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On 15 May, school pupils from across Scotland will be inspired to ‘be their personal best’ by meeting and learning from dozens of Scotland’s top athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

Two world-famous Scottish sporting heroes will also be revealed and will take part on the day!

Through a series of workshops, the event aims to inspire young people to be successful in life and show them that everyone has it in them to succeed. The athletes will help the pupils understand how to learn through failure and how success comes from sustained effort.

No matter who you are, where you’re from or what you’re good at, everyone has it in them to be their personal best.

The session will include the following components:

9.30 – 10.00:  Meet the Athletes – Introduction

10.35 – 11.10: “Success through effort” – an active workshop session

11.20 – 11.50:  “Athlete Lounge” – Q&A session with an exclusive slot for Glow participants

Register for or join this unique Glow Meet here.

Clyde, Competition, curriculum, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, International partnerships, Legacy 2014, Queen's Baton Relay, Sport, Uncategorized

Inchlair youngsters lead the way

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Isobel Edmond, Head Teacher of Inchlair Nursery School shares how youngsters have embraced the context of the Commonwealth Games and how this has had a tangible impact on learning.

The Game On Challenge has given our pupils the skills to try out new Sports. We are purchasing new equipment to ensure that the children can continue to develop their new skills in our wonderful outdoor play space. When the coaches are not available children can very ably organise equipment and ensure that their peers wait and take their turn. They could be the Sports coaches of the future.

There is a real noticeable increase in the confidence of children to apply learning to new situations. The Story of the birth of CLYDE, “Captain Bristle’s Thistles” really caught their imagination. From this they have had countless role play experiences using uniforms, telescopes, globes, flags, flower pots, thistles, climbing frames. We have noticed their play is more focussed and shared experiences give children more opportunity to talk and learn together during exciting, imaginative play activities. There can be no doubt that using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning has added an exciting layer of experience which has enriched learning for all.

A year ago our pupils would mostly say they lived in Stenhousemuir not Scotland. A focus on the Commonwealth Games has made them very aware that they are Scottish. They recognise the saltire and call it the “X” factor flag. The baton relay has given them the opportunity to study Commonwealth countries, flags of the world, maps, and wild animals. Relations have sent them postcards from across the globe. Access to the internet and in particular the BBC coverage of the Queen’s Baton Relay has enabled children to see places for themselves which has made them much more aware of life beyond our own town. We have complied a short video which allows the children to share their learning.

As a school, we sponsor a child in Malawi. Our support means she can go to school. We sell Nursery Cookbooks to raise funds for this as part of our Enterprise project. As Malawi is part of the Commonwealth children have been interested in finding the country on the world map, recognising the flag and studying pictures of Rachael over the years. They see her home, a hut in a dry dusty garden. The fact that fascinates them most is that she never has any shoes. This has helped our pupils understand how fortunate they are to live in a country which recognises and values the importance of learning. They have been genuinely touched by the difference in lifestyle between Scotland and Malawi and are beginning to understand how fortunate they are.

We were thrilled to be part of the “Going for Glasgow” challenge. Our children have had the opportunity to take part in 12 sports activities. To develop the Legacy, children take our CLYDE toy to their after school activity classes. They take photos and display them in the Nursery along with posters from their sports classes. Hopefully this will encourage other children to join a new club. The children love to talk about CLYDE’S visits and Parents are fully engaged with this idea.

As an active nursery, we are committed to daily outdoor play and developing physical sports activities. Being part of the Game on Challenge this year has brought a real buzz and sense of excitement to the Nursery. There is a competitive spirit as older brothers and sisters tell us about what they are doing at school to complete their challenge. Our youngsters go home at night and share their learning with family and friends. A number of parents have been inspired by their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
The high spot of our year is receiving the award of a Game On Scotland Plaque by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights. This award has given staff, pupils and parents a great sense of achievement and pride in the excellent work being done.

We would really advise anyone who has not already registered their Game On Challenge to do so. It has been great fun here at Inchlair, and we look forward to reading what you have been up to!

Active, Glasgow 2014, Sport

Game On: Sport Your Trainers for Glasgow 2014!

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[Please click here to visit the latest Sport Your Trainers post, including details of a great blog competition!]

The countdown is on, with less than six months until the best athletes from 70 nations and territories arrive in Scotland to compete at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

To warm up for Scotland’s biggest-ever festival of sport and culture, you are invited to join in with Glasgow 2014’s annual Commonwealth Day celebration, Sport Your Trainers. The big event will take place on 10 March 2014 and organisers are continuing their tradition of encouraging young people to wear their trainers on the day as a symbolic gesture of support for Glasgow 2014. It doesn’t stop there: in the lead up to summer, the Games provide a platform for learning across the curriculum and beyond.

Sport Your Trainers is a great opportunity to bring the XX Commonwealth Games to life in your school, group or local community. Game On Scotland, the official Glasgow 2014 education programme, contains a wealth of information, resources and opportunities which can be used to design your own inspiring Sport Your Trainers activities. Why not learn about the nations and territories of the Commonwealth or arrange taster sessions in Games’ sports? Sport Your Trainers provides the perfect moment to celebrate Games-related learning and activities as we count down to the Opening Ceremony.

Over half of the people in the Commonwealth are under 25 years of age and we want to make sure that the children and young people of Scotland have every chance to engage with Glasgow 2014. Why not start making plans today?

To register for this Scotland-wide project and to receive a link to a Digital Toolkit filled with Sport Your Trainers resources, please email SportYourTrainers@glasgow2014.com

Please note pupils are encouraged to wear their trainers to school on Sport Your Trainers day, Monday 10 March. However, it is not compulsory. Local Authorities/school senior management should use their discretion as to whether this is appropriate footwear for their schools.

event, Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, Legacy 2014, Sport

Lead 2014 registration now open

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Lead 2014 logo
Now entering its fourth year, Lead 2014 is a partnership between the Youth Sport Trust, sportscotland and Glasgow 2014 that aims to harness the enthusiasm and potential of young people to create the next generation of sports leaders.

This exciting programme for young people consists of a series of conferences that will help you develop your leadership skills, gain valuable experience through volunteering and play your part in raising the profile of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games across Scotland.

Registration for 2014’s conferences is now open. As ever the programme is expected to be very popular and places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. You must register by 15 November.

The conferences will take place on the following dates and venues:

• 20 February – University of the Highlands and Islands (Inverness)
• 28 February – Strathclyde University (Glasgow)
• 11 March – St Andrews University (St Andrews)
• 13 March – Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen)
• 20 March – Stirling University (Stirling)
• 24 March – University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
• 26 March – University of the West of Scotland (Hamilton)

To find out more and to register your school, head to the sportscotland website.

Educational resources, Glasgow 2014, Sport

Go Scotland!

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17 Sports, 1 Team (copyright Commonwealth Games Scotland)

Earlier this month, marking the 300 days to go milestone, Commonwealth Games Scotland announced the first 27 athletes selected to represent Team Scotland. These will be the first of many sporting Scots who will carry the hopes of a nation when the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games kicks off on 23rd July 2014.

In all 17 sports, athletes have been aiming to meet qualification targets and claim their spot on the team. It’s been a busy and successful summer and next year will be even better!

You can find out more information about the athletes who make up Team Scotland on the Go Scotland! website, where they have a special ‘Meet the Team’ section. The section will be updated with athletes as they are selected.

Game On Scotland will shortly be developing a Team Scotland section within the site, but you can already access lots of information about Scottish athletes at the Go Scotland! site, including a range of downloadable posters of athletes across the 17 sports.

Active, Educational resources, Sport

What is talent?

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Understanding Talent

In any discussion about sporting events, the word talent comes up, but what does it really mean? Often the concept of talent is not particularly well understood, particularly when evidence doesn’t seem to support it being a natural process.

The Talent Team at the sportscotland institute of sport have developed a film (screenshot pictured) which hopes to help people to understand the concept of ‘sporting talent’. It is aimed primarily at young athletes (11 – 17) but is also very relevant to those who influence them –from their coaches and teachers to parents, peers, neighbours and role models. The film is available at http://youtu.be/LfUvchfrcS0.

The hope is that young athletes can gain a new perspective on what ‘talent’ really means and ultimately encourage them to work hard at their sports. The message is simple – hard work and determination can lead to sporting success.

If you would like to find out more about talent and the work of the Talent Team at sportscotland, visit www.sisport.com/talent. Along with the film, the site contains a range of materials on talent, which could make for interesting discussions in classes or sports clubs.