FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

C-ScOT has extensively researched the process for creating a Scottish Olympic Team. If you require more detailed information, please email us campaign@c-scot.org.

Why should Scotland have its own Olympic team?

The people want it! According to a recent independent opinion poll, 8 out of 10 people living in Scotland support the idea.

More opportunities for Scottish athletes. The current selection criteria restricts the opportunity for talented Scots to participate in the Olympics. A Scottish team would ensure that the best Scots in each Olympic Sport would have the chance to participate, in accordance with the Olympic creed.

It will benefit the country’s health. SportScotland’s Sport21 strategy, to deliver the key challenge of having 60% of Scots participating in sport by 2020, outlines 3 visions: A country where sport is more widely available to all; a country where sporting talent is recognised and nurtured; and a country achieving and sustaining world class performances in sport.

Devolution of Sport to the Scosttish Parliament shows a recognition of the need for Scottish solutions to Scottish sporting issues.

A Scottish team would boost the popularity of all Olympic events in Scotland, encouraging more people to take up new sports at every level, and furthering the Olympic ideal in Scotland and beyond.

Scotland is not a UN recognised country, would we be allowed our own team?

There are 203 National Olympic Committees, including two teams from the Virgin Islands, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Hong Kong, Monaco, Palestine, Andorra and San Marino.

IOC Charter: "Although most National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are from nations, the IOC also recognises independent territories, commonwealths, protectorates and geographical areas."

Scotland already has the necessary number of National Federations (5) recognised at International level by the IOC.

A Scottish National Olympic Committee could meet all the criteria set down by the IOC Charter

Who can make the decision, and how would it be funded?

Sport is a fully devolved matter. The Sports Minister is Patricia Ferguson MSP. Decisions on the formation and funding of a Scottish NOC are completely within the remit of the Scottish Parliament and Scotland’s sporting bodies. All it takes is the will to deliver what the people of Scotland want.

Scotland’s NOC could be created from the current Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland. The Games Council receives funding from the Scottish Executive via SportScotland.

SportScotland is funded by the Scottish Executive and the Lottery. In November 2002, the First Minister launched the Commonwealth Games (Scotland) Endowment Fund and announced an Executive donation to it of £2.5m.

In addition commercial sponsorship would be sought, as is the case with the Bank Of Scotland Commonwealth Games Team.

What would happen to the rest of the GB Olympic team, and would it affect London’s bid?

C-ScOT fully supports the London bid, and strongly believes that the participation of a team representing Scotland will be a positive addition to this celebration of Sport.

The creation of a Scottish National Olympic Committee would not mean that the remaining countries of the UK would have to form their own NOC’s unless they so wished.

It has been suggested that some of the Olympic events will take place in Scotland, including football at Hampden Park. This would still be possible. The IOC agreed to a proposal to host competitions in Hong Kong during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Hong Kong has its own NOC, and will be sending its own team to compete at the 2008 Games.

Are there any negatives?

In some team events, such as rowing and hockey, a Scottish team might not currently be as competitive as a Team GB.

However, in other sports such as football, curling and tennis, Scottish teams could be among the main medal contenders. The full list of Scottish medal winners is available on this website.

C-ScOT also believes, as does the Olympic creed, that striving for success and participating is the true goal of the Olympic movement.

A focus on Scottish sport will encourage delivery of the facilities and opportunities necessary for Scottish Olympians to live by this creed.

Who supports the campaign?

The people of Scotland! C-ScOT commissioned an independent poll, showing the campaign has the overwhelming support of the people of Scotland, across political, cultural and geographical boundaries. 78% support the idea, only 11% were against; a ratio of 7:1

Various sporting organisations have already indicated support, and C-ScOT will be engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the potential benefits are appreciated, planned for and delivered.

So what is stopping us, and how can I help?

Nothing is stopping us, other than inertia and a lack of imagination! If you agree with the goals of C-ScOT, then make sure that the decision makers know what your thoughts are – and don’t take NO for an answer!

Over the coming months, C-ScOT will launch a number of initiatives to promote the goal of a Scottish Olympic Team.

Please e-mail us to be added to our database of supporters campaign@c-scot.org. Go to the support the campaign page where you can find suggestions on what you can do to help, including the contact details for every member of both the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments, and contact details for the local and national press.

A people’s campaign will ensure Scotland benefits.

It will only take you a few minutes to draft an e-mail. Do it now! Then get your friends and family to sign up to the dream as well. Everything anyone can do to raise the profile of this campaign brings us closer to achieving the dream – for everyone who lives in Scotland. This is their future.

Let’s Go For Gold!