College supports Team Scotland for Gay Games
28th June 2018
City of Glasgow College sponsors the first LGBTI Team Scotland for Gay Games in Paris this August.
The college, in partnership with LEAP Sports Scotland, is sponsoring the Team Kit which was launched at a special event held in the college’s City campus on Wednesday 27 June.
Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive, City of Glasgow College, said:
“As champions of equality, diversity and inclusion we recognise the major role sport plays in bringing people together. City of Glasgow College is very proud to sponsor Team Scotland to enable them to participate in this international sporting and cultural event and our best wishes go with them.”
Dr Sheila Lodge, Depute Principal and Chief Operating Officer for City of Glasgow College, who was one of the key speakers at the launch, said:
“I am delighted that our college partnership with LEAP Sports, which is based on a mutual aim to recognise and celebrate diversity, is sponsoring the first LGBTI Team Scotland to take part in the Gay Games. We will continue to support them in their final weeks of preparation and when they compete in Paris in August.”
Hugh Torrance, Executive Director for LEAP Sports Scotland, said:
"Sport is for everyone, and this will mark the first time many of the team have taken part in a sports tournament like this. It is a privilege for LEAP Sports to work with and support the team towards participation, inclusion and personal best - the three goals of the Gay Games. Partnerships such as this are so valuable and we are delighted to have the support of City of Glasgow College in making this initiative happen".
Bill Gardner is competing in the 400 and 800 metres, he said:
“Taking part in a world class sporting event is just the beginning for Team Scotland. I personally wanted to celebrate turning 40 and saw this as a great opportunity for me to compete in my sport. It was also a chance to train with a coach, up to now I’ve been using an abandoned track in Maryhill.”
The Gay Games have been running every four years since 1982. They bring together people from all walks of life, without discrimination, and are open to all, offering everyone the opportunity to participate in their own way.
LEAP Sports are coordinating the team’s participation in the opening and closing ceremonies, pre-games briefings, official merchandise and a Team Scotland reception in Paris.
