Up to 3,000 men and women serving with the Armed Forces will get the opportunity to be part of this summer’s biggest sporting occasion, thanks to a further initiative to ensure the widest possible access to Glasgow 2014.
“Tickets for Troops” is now part of a 20,000 ticket programme of goodwill initiatives devised by Glasgow 2014 and its Games Partners to ensure that the Games are enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Servicemen and women from across the UK will have the opportunity to experience Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural festival. Troops will be offered the chance to watch Badminton, Boxing, Para-Sport Powerlifting, Rugby Sevens, Squash and Weightlifting in Glasgow starting from 24July. Tickets will be distributed through a partnership with the Tickets for Troops, the charity which was set up in 2009 to recognise the servicemen and women who spend months away from their families and need to be available to serve at short notice and recognises their commitment, drive and dedication.
Tickets for Troops forms part of a wider programme of initiatives to ensure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to attend the Games, especially those who have made particular contributions to the Games or would not otherwise have been able to enjoy them. The programme also includes:
- The Gift of the Games which offers a great day out at Glasgow 2014 for 5,000 disadvantaged young people across Scotland, supported by sponsors and the Scottish business community and delivered by Cash for Kids.
- Legacy 2014 tickets distributed through sportscotland, Education Scotland and Big Lottery to thank individuals and groups creating lasting Games legacy.
- Glasgow’s Games Gift, distributed through Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life and connecting city communities with the Games.
The programme is supported by Scotland’s business community and Glasgow 2014 sponsors. Earlier this week it was announced that 5,000 of Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people will experience a day out at Glasgow 2014 as a core part of the initiative.
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive Glasgow 2014 said
“Through the goodwill programme Glasgow 2014 is committed to connecting as many people as possible to the thrilling and positive experience of world-class sport which we’re proud to be hosting in Glasgow and Scotland next month.
“We appreciate the contribution servicemen and women make every day and we value very much the support of Scotland’s business community and our sponsors which makes it possible for us to make them part of our sporting celebrations.”
Lord Marland, Chairman of Tickets for Troops, said:
“I am delighted that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is supporting our brave servicemen and women. Troops and their families will be able to enjoy watching world-class competition from top level sportsmen and women whilst enjoying some much deserved time off from duty.”
Cabinet Secretary for Sport and Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison said:
“Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games Shona Robison said: “This is a great opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to our brave servicemen and servicewomen who serve us with honour and distinction. Glasgow 2014 will be an incredible sporting spectacle and this is a fantastic scheme to give the troops a chance to experience the action at what is shaping up to be the greatest ever Games.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:
“It is fitting that the men and women of our armed forces share in the celebration of sport that is the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. I am delighted that Glasgow 2014 is making these tickets available, as the council and other Games partners have taken similar measures to ensure that various groups will have access to the Games.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman, Michael Cavanagh, said:
“The ticketing goodwill initiative is a great programme and fantastic way to ensure that tickets are going to the most deserving people in our communities including our servicemen and women and to allow them to enjoy the Games.”
Registered members can book tickets online at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk.The charity has over 140,000 members of the military registered and has distributed over 500,000 tickets for events ranging from The Isle of Wight Festival, UK Live, England football, the rugby Premiership, top class cricket, darts, horse racing and snooker as well as major theatre performances and other music events.