Sir Chris Hoy, Britain's most decorated Olympian, has been unveiled as the first official ambassador for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are now just under two years away.
The 36-year-old cyclist from Edinburgh proved one of the stars of the London 2012 Olympics this summer when he claimed two gold medals in the keirin and the team sprint to take his overall medal haul at the Games to six golds and a silver.
The new ambassador role means Sir Chris (pictured top), who is also a double Commonwealth Games gold medallist and 11-times world champion, is the first of a select group of high profile sporting and celebrity figures who will work with Glasgow 2014 over the next two years to promote the multisport event.
"The Commonwealth Games is a special event for me," said Sir Chris.
"I have fantastic memories of competing for Scotland in the Games on three separate occasions, especially winning my first major championship gold medal at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.
"Following an incredible Olympics in London, I'm proud to lend my support to the next great sporting event on home soil.
"Making sure that people from all walks of life, especially young people, feel inspired to be a part of the Games will be a big focus for me."
Although specific details of Sir Chris' involvement with Glasgow 2014 have yet to be announced, his new role is set to include appearances in high profile promotional campaigns and events.
One such event is likely to include the opening of the brand new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome next month, the venue for the track cycling competition at the Commonwealth Games.
It was announced in 2008 that the Velodrome would be named in honour of Sir Chris and he has hinted that competing at the venue at Glasgow 2014 would be a fitting end to his glittering career.
"London 2012 was the perfect way to end my Olympic career," he said.
"The Commonwealth Games are two years away and I haven't made any decisions yet.
"But to be able to compete in Glasgow in a Velodrome bearing my name would be the dream ending for me."
Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith added that unveiling Sir Chris as the first ambassador for the Commonwealth Games is a huge moment for the Organising Committee.
"We could think of no person more appropriate than Sir Chris to be our first official ambassador," he said.
"I have no doubt that his success, his support, and his passion for Scotland will inspire people – spectators, volunteers and athletes – to get behind the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"We are delighted to have the support of Britain's greatest Olympian."
Glasgow 2014 will be held from July 23 to August 3 and feature 17 sports across 11 days of competition with 250 medal events on show.
The Commonwealth Games will play host to 4,500 athletes and sell one million tickets, while 15,000 volunteers are set to feature.
By Tom Degun
Source: www.insidethegames.biz