Hoy Joins Unicef For Glasgow 2014 Opener

Multi-Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and International singer Nicole Scherzinger are amongst the names set to appear in a global fundraising first at the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony on 23rd July to help UNICEF change the lives of millions of children across the Commonwealth. 

Hoy and the former Pussycat Doll are set to join the likes of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulker and ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the unique fundraising initiative.

Exclusive footage of the stars on trips to special UNICEF projects around the Commonwealth, which also includes actress Keeley Hawes, will be shown during the Opening Ceremony of the Games at Celtic Park on 23rd July.

Spectators, athletes and an expected one billion viewers from across the Commonwealth then have the chance to play their part in the Ceremony by making a donation via a text number or URL, to be released nearer the time.

UNICEF is an official charity partner of Glasgow 2014 and in partnership with the CGF aims to raise money for the Children of the Commonwealth Fund, in the run-up to and during the Games.

As part of the link-up people purchasing tickets for the Games have been given the option of donating £1, £2 or £5 to the fund.

Sir Chris, a Glasgow 2014 ambassador, visited Malawi to see the work being carried by UNICEF and his trip will be featured as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Speaking about his trip to Malawi, Sir Chris Hoy said: ‘Meeting children whose lives have been so hugely improved by UNICEF was an incredible experience that will stay with me forever.’

‘In some parts of Malawi children are going hungry, but at school they are provided with a nutritious meal. Shockingly, for many of them it’s the only meal they will get all day.’

‘And things we take for granted in the UK, like basic medicine, are not always available in Malawi. I was especially inspired by an incredible young health worker I met called Daniel, who delivers lifesaving medicines to children and their families in some of Malawi’s most rural and remote villages – often located in forests and along unpaved roads which he travels by a personal favourite of mine, the humble bicycle.’

‘The Opening Ceremony will be a spectacular moment for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth as we attempt something that has never been done before; I’m so proud to be a part of that, and I hope everyone will join us by watching on 23rd July.’

Glasgow 2014, chief executive, David Grevemberg, added: ‘Young people throughout the Commonwealth are at the heart of the ambitions of the Games.’ 

‘Glasgow 2014 has had so many firsts in terms of Games and again we are making history, we are changing the conversation. We are taking an Opening Ceremony and elevating it into something which will not just be experienced by people but will leave a lasting legacy for the young people of Scotland and across the Commonwealth.’

The news comes after it was confirmed that Glasgow 2014, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council will break new ground for a major sport event by hosting an international summit for social change through sport. 

The event will be staged in partnership with business – most notably Dell, the Official IT Hardware and Data Centre Supporter of Glasgow 2014 – and Beyond Sport, the leading global convener of business, sport and government around the use of sport as a tool for social change. 

Beyond The Games, powered by Dell will bring together sports and civic leaders to explore the power of the Games to advance promotion of and respect for the Commonwealth Games Federation’s core values of humanity, equality and destiny. Find out more here.