CHANCE TO STAR IN COMMONWEATH GAMES HANDOVER CEREMONY UP FOR GRABS

Three lucky residents will be jetting off later this year an all expenses paid trip to India to represent Argyll and Bute at a Handover Ceremony as the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games comes to a close.

The event, on Thursday, October 14, will allow Scotland to set the scene for the four years leading up to the Glasgow 2014 Games.

The performance will involve a mass choreographed dance routine, with a cast of approximately 400 amateur volunteers from all across Scotland.

The 2014 organising committee is offering Argyll and Bute, along with every other local authority in Scotland, three fully funded places within this mass cast.

It is likely that the event will be watched not only by the 65,000 capacity crown in the spectacular Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, but by a global television audience of some 1 billion.

Councillor Neil Mackay, spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for three local people to take part in what promises to be one of the biggest shows on earth, and I am sure there will be interest from all corners of Argyll and Bute.

“We have such a wealth of talent that those tasked with choosing the successful candidates are likely to have a difficult job. But I have no doubt that those eventually chosen will prove wonderful ambassadors not just for this area, but for Scotland as a whole.”

The organisers hope that people who regularly make a contribution to their local community through volunteering – in particular in one of the 17 sports within the Glasgow 2014 programme – will take the chance to apply for one of the coveted places.

The 17 sports are Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The dance performance level required will be achievable from rehearsals, as long as candidates have a good basic level of physical fitness.

However, there are a number of criteria which must be met for any interested individuals. They are:


A good basic level of physical fitness, self-motivated and enthusiastic

Ability to commit to the following rehearsal schedule in Glasgow: June 10 and 11, 2010 and September 20 -October 8, 2010

Ability to commit to the performance schedule in Delhi of October 12-17, 2010

18 years or over on June 10, 2010 (or October 10, 2010 if you would be able to stay at home for the rehearsals in Glasgow)

No medical conditions preventing exercise, physical exertion, air travel, travel vaccinations and periods in hot environments

Consent to all advice and necessary requirements as dictated by the Project Doctor e.g. travel vaccinations and medical and emergency attention in Delhi

Full UK or other passport allowing travel to India and valid for at least 6 months beyond October 16, 2010 (April 16, 2011)

Consent to any necessary security and background checks

And, most importantly, pride, passion, dedication and a willingness to learn

For more information or to access an application form, please contact delhi2010@argyll-bute.gov.uk