The Park Practice's principal dentist Mike Blackie worked at London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 ©The Park Practice

Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has announced a new partnership with Glasgow-based dental clinic, The Park Practice. 

They become the first ever dental services supplier to Team Scotland.

The firm's principal dentist Mike Blackie launched the association at Scotland’s Commonwealth Youth Games Team Camp, providing an informative briefing for the young athletes about the important part dental health plays in their overall health and wellbeing and how it is an essential part of their preparations ahead of international travel to competition.

The Glasgow-based Park Practice, whose deal with CGS was brokered by the Sports Consultancy, also plan to work with Scottish athletes preparing for Gold Coast 2018. 

"The opportunity to work with Team Scotland combines my dual passions of dental health and sport in an exciting way," said Blackie.

"I am looking forward to developing the partnership over the next few years and seeing how I can support Scotland’s Commonwealth Games athletes to optimise their dental health."

The Park Practice have already worked with Scottish athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Youth Games and will help those getting ready for Gold Coast 2018 ©The Park Practice
The Park Practice have already worked with Scottish athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Youth Games and will help those getting ready for Gold Coast 2018 ©The Park Practice

A former rugby player with GHK and Glasgow Hawks, Blackie started The Park Practice Dental Clinic in 1999. 

He has worked as part of the medical team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London supporting combat sports and was also involved at Glasgow 2014 with rugby sevens.

"We are delighted to have The Park Practice on board as our dental health supporter," Jon Doig, chief executive of CGS, said. 

"Many aspects combine to deliver a top performance and dental health is an important component, ensuring athletes get to the start line in the best possible shape.  

"We are already seeing the impact of the messaging from The Park Practice on our Youth Games athletes and we look forward to a long association with Mike and his team.”