Glasgow 2014 Launches Commonwealth Games Mascot

(ATR) Glasgow 2014 has unveiled Clyde "the patriotic and adventurous thistle" as its Commonwealth Games mascot.

Launched at BBC Scotland’s headquarters in Glasgow Thursday, he was welcomed on stage by Olympic swimming stars Rebecca Adlington and Michael Jamieson. An animated film telling Clyde’s story was narrated by Scottish actor, comedian and Glasgow 2014 ambassador Billy Connolly.

The mascot, created by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour, was chosen from over 4,000 entries in a U.K.-wide competition. Glasgow 2014 said her design was selected for its "Scottish symbolism and Glaswegian charm and likeability.

Her entry interpreted this much-loved symbol "with a youthful energy – embodied by a cheeky facial expression – and strong, sporty thistle arms and legs".

Clyde is a significant departure from all previous Commonwealth Games mascots it’s the first time the official mascot has not been an animal.

"It is important that young people are at the heart of the Games – Beth’s design captured the imagination and the spirit of not only the Games but also of Glasgow and Scotland," said Glasgow 2014 chairman Robert Smith.

"Clyde is the cheeky but friendly face of Glasgow 2014 and will take the Commonwealth Games message to the people of Scotland. He will help bring the personality of the Games to life and he will welcome spectators and athletes from all over the world to the Games."

Glasgow 2014 ambassador Rebecca Adlington, Britain’s most successful Olympic swimmer, said the huge success of London 2012 "will only increase the excitement and interest towards the Games and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey to 2014".

Clyde embarks on a national tour of Scotland later today to raise the profile of Glasgow 2014.

He will play a major role in many landmark moments in the build-up to the July 23 to Aug. 3 Games in 2014, which will be Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event.

A total of 4,500 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations will compete at the Games. It will feature 17 sports over 11 days of competition with 250 medal events on show. Glasgow 2014 aims to sell one million tickets.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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