Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - Sprint star Collins backs ‘Sport your Trainers’

Sprint star Collins backs ‘Sport your Trainers’

Commonwealth gold medalist Kim Collins has urged sports fans everywhere to Sport their Trainers on Commonwealth Day. The 100m sprinter, who won bronze at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, took time out of his preparations for London 2012 to get behind the campaign which links Glasgow 2014 to taking steps to a healthier lifestyle.

“Physical activity is absolutely crucial to the health of a nation and I think campaigns like this are win-win. They encourage people to become more active and make them aware that the Commonwealth Games are coming,” said Collins.

The Sport your Trainers campaign aims to engage sports fans with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by encouraging them to wear their trainers on Commonwealth Day, March 12th. The 35-year-old, who won gold at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games said: “Even being in Glasgow now you get a sense the excitement for the Games in two years. I remember competing in Manchester in 2002 and there was a great atmosphere all around the city, everyone got behind it.”

Collins, pictured alongside Scottish 800m athlete Claire Gibson during a recent visit to Glasgow, is currently gearing up for the London 2012 Olympics and is targeting a return to Glasgow in July 2014 to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s too early to say whether I don’t know if I’ll still be competing in but if I am competing I’ll definitely be there. It would be amazing to be back in Glasgow and again have great memories of competing in Commonwealth Games.”

Collins also revealed his home country’s excitement about competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“Back in St Kitts, the people are very happy and excited for the Games. We’re working at having a bigger team at London 2012 and then in Glasgow in 2014 and we’re aiming for more medals and better performances.”

To get involved this year and to register a challenge, visit www.glasgow2014.com where you can show your support by clicking on the 'Sport your Trainers' link.