WE’LL CASH IN ON CURLERS!

Jan 17 2008 Paisley Daily Express

Tourney boosts Commonwealth Games link-up

A PRESTIGIOUS international curling tournament being held at Braehead could help Renfrewshire benefit from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Renfrewshire Council leader Derek Mackay reckons that with the Glynhill Ladies International - which is part of the World Curling Tour European Programme – being played at the Braehead rink, the area will be put firmly on the sporting map.

The curling tournament takes place from Friday until Sunday and features some of the world’s top curlers from ten different countries including the Canadian team who are the current World Champions.

The event has attracted 20 teams from abroad including Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Russia and Germany as well as several Scottish teams.

Councillor Mackay said: “The fact that such a prestigious tournament is coming to Renfrewshire shows we are at the heart of international sport.

“And it means we can stake an even bigger claim as a Commonwealth Games venue when they come to Glasgow in 2014.

“Although it is unlikely we’ll have any of the Commonwealth Games competitions in Renfrewshire, it doesn’t mean our excellent sporting facilities can’t be used for athletes’ training camps and our local accommodation used for residencies during the Games.

“The curling tournament being staged at Braehead shows everyone that high-calibre sporting events are happening right now in Renfrewshire.”

Braehead’s general manager, Peter Beagley said: “This is one of the big tournaments in the world curling calendar and it shows that Renfrewshire has the facilities to host major sporting events.

“With the amount of competitors and officials coming to Braehead days before the tournament officially starts. It will also give a financial boost to the local economy.”