The official baton of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has already started it’s international journey from Glasgow last month. Now it is on course to travel 190,000 kms over a period of 248 days, before it returns to Scotland in June 2014. Once back, Ford vehicles will then convey both torch and support team across the length and breadth of Scotland. This will be part of 40 day domestic leg of Queen’s Baton Relay as the torch travels through from Scotland to Glasgow for the opening ceremony to be held on July 23, 2014.
A fleet inclusive of low-CO2 cars has been set aside for this important event which includes Ford Focus, Ford C-MAX, Ford S-MAX, Ford Galaxy and Ford Tourneo while Ford Focus Electric Vehicles will also be used by members of the Organizing Committee. Ford has also been chosen as Official Partners of Team Scotland, Team England, Team Wales and Team Northern Ireland.
20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to be held from July 23 to August 3, 2014, will see a total of 70 teams and 6,500 athletes participating in the 11 day competition. Over a million tickets are expected to be sold which will entail the assistance of 15,000 local volunteers.
Ford has a long history of sports-related sponsorships, most notably sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League.
Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman, Glasgow 2014 said:
“It’s a proud moment in our journey to Glasgow 2014 to be able to welcome Ford into the sponsor family and we are excited to be working with them as our latest partner. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are a great opportunity for sponsors to be involved in a unique occasion which reaches across the globe. Ford is perfectly placed to help us deliver a successful Games and leave a lasting legacy throughout the Commonwealth.
“With the success of the ticket launch, the volunteer programme and our commercial partnerships, we are on the way to achieve a memorable Games experience for all.”
Mark Ovenden, Ford UK Chairman and Managing Director said:
“Ford is delighted to be an Official Partner of Glasgow 2014 and to be able to support this important cultural and sporting event.
“Our best-ever vehicle range enables us to provide a fleet inclusive of low-CO2 cars that will help deliver a sustainable and inclusive event for a huge global audience.”
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said:
“It is great to have yet another strong global brand on board for 2014, and I am sure they will be a great partner for Team Scotland and the other Home Nations.
“Ford brings with them a long track record of support for sport and their expertise and passion will be beneficial in the run up to, and duration of the Games.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said:
“Ford will play a pivotal role in keeping the Commonwealth Games moving and joins a growing list of companies that are helping make next year’s Games world class.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:
“It is very pleasing to see that another sponsor at such a level has now joined with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. To ensure the best possible event next summer, it’s essential to work with partners capable of delivering services of the highest quality, and this has certainly been achieved here. I am delighted that Ford is the latest Tier One sponsor for the Games.”
