This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland team do us proud
01/08/2002
Scotland's sporting success at the Commonwealth Games was today welcomed by First Minister Jack McConnell.
Mr McConnell pledged that every effort must be made to ensure Scotland's success continues in four years time and said that he was determined to put a funding system in place - where athletes spend less time dealing with red tape and more time training for success.
The First Minister has spent four days cheering on Scotland's team in Manchester and will tonight host a reception for governing bodies.
Mr McConnell said:
"The Commonwealth Games are a chance for our sportsmen and women to represent Scotland on the international stage and our team has really done us proud in Manchester. While it's obviously a great honour for athletes to represent Great Britain, I know that flying the flag for Scotland is a particularly special moment for our sporting stars.
"These winners can become role models for young Scots to participate more in sport and I know from talking to the medallists that they want to go to schools and spread the word.
"Hearing Scotland the Brave while watching the Saltire being raised must be an unforgettable feeling for our gold medallists and I was delighted to be there today to see our men's triples physically disabled bowling team clinch gold.
"But if we are going to build on this success we - the Scottish Executive, sportscotland and governing bodies - must work together to plan for the longer term. Increased funding has seen us win medals in Manchester but we can do better.
"I want to see a funding system where athletes spend less time dealing with red tape and more time training for success. We also need to provide longer term funding and recognise potential as well as performance.
"I have discussed this with sportscotland and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland this week and we are determined to put in place a system that delivers for our athletes and helps them bring home even more medals in four years time. We must ensure the system supports the athletes and the athletes don't have to chase the system."