Games tickets for veterans

29 May 2014 03:20 PM

200 Commonwealth Games tickets for ex-servicemen and women.

Two hundred Commonwealth Games tickets will be given to Scottish veterans in recognition of their service to their country at home and abroad, Veterans Minister Keith Brown announced today.

The Scottish Government is giving tickets to ex-servicemen and women as part of the Legacy Ticket scheme which aims to secure a legacy for communities across Scotland and provide an opportunity for people to go to the Games.

Making the announcement at the Scottish Veterans Residences 44-room Rosendael facility in Dundee which will receive a number of tickets to the Games, Mr Brown said:

“This is an opportunity for us to say a big thank you to veterans who have served with honour and distinction for their country. The tickets will be allocated to 200 brave men and women who might not have otherwise had access to Commonwealth Games events.

“Glasgow 2014 will be an incredible sporting spectacle which will put our country on the international map, it is only right that ex-service personnel should be given the chance to be a part of this momentous event.”

The SVR provides accommodation and support to around 200 ex-servicemen and women and their spouses.

Phil Cox, Chief Executive of SVR said:

“The Scottish Veterans Residences supports all UK veterans including those from Commonwealth countries who served in HM Forces.

“I’m sure that our residents will relish the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle and atmosphere of The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and this gift of tickets is very much appreciated.”

Veterans Scotland, the membership organisation for charities with an interest in supporting ex-service personnel, will allocate the tickets to veterans who have made a significant contribution to the veterans’ community. Tickets will be available for boxing, rugby sevens, triathlon, lawn bowls and athletics events as well as the closing ceremony.

Veterans Scotland General Secretary Jim Wilson said:

"The offer of these tickets marks the acknowledgement of the personal sacrifices veterans from across the Commonwealth have made during their service in the Armed Forces.

“Most veterans foster a keen interest and participate in a variety of sporting activities whilst serving, in order to remain fit for operational duties. It is with thanks these tickets are accepted on behalf of the veterans community in Scotland."

Notes To Editors

The Scottish Government has provided Scottish Veterans Residences with £2.3 million funding support to build a supported housing facility at Cranhill. The scheme will be open to all UK veterans and is due to be completed in the summer.

The Scottish Government’s Legacy Ticket scheme is benefiting young people, those who make sport happen, those who make a contribution in their community and people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience the Games and veterans. The Scottish Government is working with Legacy 2014 partners including Education Scotland, sportscotland, Big Lottery Fund, Young Scot and NHS Health Scotland to identify beneficiaries and allocate these tickets.

Legacy 2014 is the initiative underpinning all Scottish Government activity concerning the XX Commonwealth Games being hosted in Glasgow in July and August 2014. There are over 50 Legacy 2014 national programmes and over 60 projects supporting Legacy 2014 in place across Scotland to help contribute towards achieving the legacy outcomes. The progress of the legacy ambitions is being tracked through a set of Outcome Indicators under the Assessing Legacy project.

Hosting the Games can inspire, create, generate and offer opportunities that provide potential for a lasting legacy for all, across Scotland. From jobs to training, to investment for new or upgraded community facilities, to active lifestyles, education and new global connections. The Scottish Government Legacy 2014 work co-ordinates activity and policy requirements across a number of portfolios including Sport, Culture, Education, External Affairs, Tourism, Economy, Greener.

Legacy 2014 has an established brand, and works in partnership with the ‘Games Partners’: Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Visit www.legacy2014.co.uk for more information.