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The Scottish Institute of Sport confirms that Mike Hay, High Performance Curling Coach, will leave the Institute in October 2006.Â
Mike, who joined the Institute eight years ago, is keen to explore new challenges. He has experienced unprecedented success in his time at the Institute, not least his contribution to the medals won by Scottish and GB curlers.
Commenting on his departure, Mike said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my role at the Scottish Institute of Sport, working with enormously talented athletes and colleagues alike. During the past eight years I've had many highlights, the women's teams winning Gold at the Winter Olympics and Gold in the Worlds in a space of six weeks, as well as tracking and supporting Team Murdoch as they progressed through the Area Institutes to the Scottish Institute, culminating in a World Championship Gold in Boston this year. I am also delighted to leave the programme in a strong financial position - the Olympic programme for Vancouver 2010 will benefit from £1.2 million towards helping achieve the ultimate sporting goal. It is now time for me to seek new challenges and allow fresh blood to drive the curling programme at the Scottish Institute of Sport forward.”
Marty Aitken, High Performance Director at the Scottish Institute of Sport added, “Mike has made an enormous contribution to the development of the curling programme since the Institute was established in 1998. Working with the governing bodies, Mike has helped the sport significantly, increase funding as well as raising its profile across Scotland.
“We wish Mike the best of luck in his next venture. Whilst his presence and expertise will be missed, it is time for us to rise to new challenges and build on the strong foundations that he leaves behind. Working with the RCCC we have set up the Olympic Futures programme which aims to fast-track curlers who have been identified as having great potential, looking forward to the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics - just one of our projects in place to ensure Scottish curling continues to thrive.”
Colin Grahamslaw from the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC), concluded, “In Mike Hay we have a Scot who is a truly world class coach. Mike leaves a tremendous legacy of success and the potential for greater success in the future. We wish him well in his future endeavours and we look forward to working with the Institute in securing his successor for the next stage of development.”
