Army

Mark Francois Meets Military Gold Medal Winners

Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois has met with medal winning military personnel at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

On a visit to Hampden Park to thank military personnel helping to provide security for the Games in support of Police Scotland, Mr Francois met with Chris Sherrington, the gold medallist in the judo heavyweight category, and Mark Shaw, bronze medallist in the judo 100 kilo plus event.

Royal Marine Chris Sherrington, 30, of 45 Commando has served in Iraq during his 14 year career and is ranked 31^st in the world in his sport, in which he represents Scotland.

Marine Chris Sherrington said:

"It is a real privilege to serve our Queen and country but to represent your country in the Commonwealth Games is something else; it’s been a fantastic experience. I must admit I really miss being with my fellow Marines though. You don’t join the Royal Marines to go and do something else but, for me, this was a chance to show the world what we are capable of.”

Lieutenant Commander Mark Shaw, 35, of the Defence Diving School won bronze in the Judo 100 kilo plus category. This is the second medal for Mark this year, having already received a silver medal for his efforts in the European Championship, while representing Wales.

Lieutenant Commander Mark Shaw said:

"I'm absolutely delighted to have won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. It was a very tough and stressful day, especially after making a mistake in the quarterfinal. To pick myself up and fight through to bronze was so pleasing. It's been a long road and considering I was carrying a serious injury into the games I'm over the moon to get a podium finish. I'm very grateful to the Navy which has provided the support and opportunity to allow me train and prepare in the best possible way. "

Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, said:

"It was a pleasure to meet Marine Sherrington and Lieutenant Commander Shaw and I congratulate them alongside all our military personnel competing in this year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Our military athletes are an elite and shining example of the flexibility and sheer determination we expect from our Armed Forces.”

Earlier this week, members of the Armed Forces providing the Military Venue Security Force at Glasgow's SECC venue were treated to a Royal visit from their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The Royal party was met by Brigadier Paul Harkness, Commander of Stirling-based 51 Infantry Brigade, and the Joint Military Commander of all the troops deployed at the Games, in support of Police Scotland. The Royal visitors spoke to members of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who are providing airport-style security facilities at five main venues across the city.