08 March 2010

UKA has today confirmed that Super8 will return in 2010 as the fixture selected to be the centrepiece of the reopening of Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium on Wednesday 7 July.

The unique competition format launched successfully in 2009 to a sell out crowd at Cardiff’s International Stadium will again pitch eight cities head to head in a two hour schedule of quick-fire, spectator-friendly competition.

UKA Chief Executive Niels de Vos who devised the event said:

“We are delighted to announce the venue for Super8 2010. The fantastic support of Glasgow City Council will enable us to make this year’s event bigger and better than in 2009.

“There was a temptation to roll the series out to two, three or even more fixtures in this – only our second year – due to the level of interest it attracted from a large number of cities. But we have decided that we can further improve on the event, and in doing so cement its reputation as a premier competition format going forward.

“This year we are investing further in the event and there are a number of exciting developments, including a high quality international athlete contingent who will compete in Super8 before taking part in the Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead three days later.

“Scotstoun stadium with its 5000 capacity – double the size of Cardiff – is the perfect stadium for the event and we’re confident that the people of Glasgow will fill the stadium to support their team against the English and Welsh Cities. It will be like a prelude for 2014 for fans and athletes alike.

In addition to the main Super8 event, a School’s Super8 kids competition will take place beforehand, repeating the format that took place in Cardiff, and further demonstrating the versatility of the new competition format.

“Since Cardiff last year it has been fantastic to see so many schools adopt the Super8 format,” said de Vos. “The main aim of the format was to launch something that could be successful at a number of levels and less than a year on from the pilot event thousands of children have already experienced Super8 through schools competition.

“From 2010 the UK School Games athletics competition will also be based around the Super8 format, showing it really has captured the imagination of competition providers.”

Finally, events organisers from cities who have bid to enter teams and host the event in future seasons will attend Glasgow in order to shadow UKA competition staff in the delivery of the event and undergo training on the delivery of Super8 kids competitions for local schools.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, said: "This is great news for sport in Glasgow and once again confirms our position as a centre of national sporting excellence. We have an exceptional track record of delivering high-profile events such as this and are looking forward to welcoming the Super8 to Scotstoun this summer.

“It will be a landmark occasion for the new Scotstoun Stadium following its recent £18million redevelopment. The stadium is regarded as one of the leading athletics venues in the United Kingdom and it is fitting that this event should play a part in its reopening.

“Hosting successful events such the Super8 will help prepare us for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and will ensure that there is a real and lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow.”

Keep an eye on www.uka.org.uk/super8 for more information in the coming months