Moray school visit for Scottish sporting stars

SCOTTISH Commonwealth Games medallists David Carry and Susan Egelstaff made a visit to Moray to promote next year’s Glasgow sporting extravaganza.

Accompanied by the Glasgow Games mascot Clyde, swimming champ Carry and badminton star Egelstaff met pupils at New Elgin Primary on Friday as part of a two-week national tour as Games ambassadors.

The sporting duo, who both represented Team GB in the London Olympics before retiring from their chosen sports, took part in games and a quiz with the New Elgin pupils.

The athletes’ tour coincides with the public sale of tickets for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year, and is aimed at inspiring Moray youngsters to achieve their own sporting goal.

Carry, who has won two Commonwealth golds, said: "I remember looking up to Commonwealth athletes as an aspiring young swimmer so I’m proud to be part of this journey around the country introducing young Scots to the huge event which is coming to Glasgow next year.

"The Games will be inspirational for young people all across Scotland and I hope this fun and engaging tour will give youngsters a taste of the world-class sport they will experience in their home country next summer."

Egelstaff, Scotland’s most capped badminton star who won bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, added: "It is crucial that young people across the country have the opportunity to experience live world-class sport in person, It’s a once In a lifetime opportunity and young Scots growing up today will want to have the chance to say in years to come ‘I was there’."

The schoolchildren were introduced to the 17 sports of the Commonwealth Games by Clyde, as well as being given a personal insight from both athletes into what it takes to become a sporting champion and what it means to compete for Scotland at a Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said: "Both David and Susan were Scottish school children once, dreaming of competing on the world stage. I’m certain they’ll do a fantastic job of passing their knowledge and experience on to the next generation throughout the tour and informing Scotland’s youngsters of the huge opportunity they have to be inspired by Glasgow 2014."

For more information on Glasgow 2014 ticketing visit www.Glasgow2014.com/tickets

See next week’s Northern Scot for full story and interview with both sporting stars.