There is just one day to go until Glasgow and Scotland come alive for the inaugural European Championships.
And with anticipation continuing to build, today two of the country’s best loved and most famous faces took to the city’s streets to welcome visitors from across the world.
Glasgow 2018 European Championships mascot, Bonnie the seal was delighted to be reunited with her old pal, Team Scotland mascot and star of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Clyde.
Bonnie also took time to introduce Clyde to their German counterpart, Berlino the Bear – the official mascot for European Championships co-host Berlin 2018 – as the three showcased an exciting new addition to the city, Bonnie’s Mile. Specially created by Bonnie, the active walking route links together some of Festival 2018’s most exciting venues in the city. Bonnie’s Mile begins in George Square, the beating heart of the festival, and travels through the Merchant City where a number of events are taking place throughout the fortnight, finishing at Glasgow Green, where Go LIVE! is taking place.
With something for everyone to enjoy, Bonnie’s Mile is the perfect way for families to explore all of the exciting events on offer, whist enjoying all the benefits of healthy exercise.
More than 3,000 athletes will travel to Scotland for the newest event on the world’s sporting calendar – many of whom have already arrived in Glasgow – as part of a total delegation of around 8,500 including officials, media and others.
From 2 to 12 August, Glasgow will host European Championships in 12 sporting disciplines: Swimming, Diving, Synchro, Open Water; Track Cycling, Road Cycling, BMX and Mountain Biking; Gymnastics; Rowing; Triathlon and a new Golf Team Championships, whilst Berlin will host the Athletics.
Athletes from some 52 countries will compete for 152 medals across Scotland whilst a further 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin.
Running in tandem with the exhilarating sporting action, Festival 2018 will get Glasgow and communities around the 12 sporting venues buzzing with its offer of hundreds of unmissable – and largely free – world-class cultural events.
The city’s iconic George Square will be the beating heart of Festival 2018, hosting an amazing programme of free and ticketed events, kicking off with The Great Big Opening Party from 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 1 August).
Alongside the dynamic entertainment programme on George Square there will be delicious Scottish food and drink to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to catch up on the day’s sporting action on big screens.
Glasgow 2018 Championships Director, Colin Hartley, said: “Glasgow and Scotland will come alive during the European Championships and with excitement reaching fever pitch, we’re ready to deliver not only an incredible festival of sport and culture, but a welcome that people will never forget. Co-hosting with Berlin where the athletics will take place, Glasgow 2018 – like Glasgow 2014 before it – is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our world-class event credentials and unrivalled hospitality to a global audience.”