Sights set on Delhi

Published 4 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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By Colin Hutton and Jamie Borthwick

TWO Renfrewshire prospects, who both have a fighting chance of future Commonwealth Games selection, are being whisked off to India to watch the world's best sports stars compete.

Squash ace Kevin Moran and hockey player Michael Bremner are among 30 of the country's top athletes to be chosen to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.

The talented duo are part of Achieve 2014, an initiative set up to enhance the chances of Scottish success at the Glasgow games in four years' time.

Although Kevin, who plays at the David Lloyd Centre in Renfrew, was disappointed at narrowly missing out on taking part in this year's event, he believes this opportunity will make him even more determined for 2014.

The 19-year-old told Gazette Sport: "We will get to go to the Games and take in the atmosphere and the sheer scale of a multi-sports event like this.

"Being in Delhi will give us an idea of what to expect in 2014, so that we are not overawed when the time comes.

"Even though the selectors thought it was just a bit too early for me this time around it has made me want to compete in Glasgow even more.

"To have the home support behind us will be amazing and it really is something to aim for."

The group of selected athletes range from 15 to 28-years-old and they will all enjoy a five-day learning experience in Delhi, when mentors will help them explore the Games.

Former Johnstone High pupil Michael, who is already a big part of the Scotland under-21 set-up and plays for Kelburne, will also be looking to pick up as many tips as he can during the trip

The Kilbarchan 18-year-old has continued on his meteoric rise in the sport, as it was just last year that he picked up the Matt Carruth award at school for his outstanding sporting achievements.

Praising all the youngsters in the scheme, Graeme Randall MBE, director of Achieve 2014, said: "It is great to see the programme coming to life now we have selected our team.

"We are all looking for the same outcome - to enhance their chances of success in Glasgow 2014."

Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, added: "As we mark four years to go to the start of the 2014 Games I am absolutely delighted to announce our Achieve 2014 team who will get a taste of things to come in Delhi this year.

"As we have known for many years, some athletes rise to the big multi-sport occasion whilst others are overwhelmed by it and in 2014 competing on home soil will bring huge opportunities but also additional pressures."

This article appeared in The Gazette 04 Aug 10

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