Exclusive footage of the stars - including actress Keeley Hawes - on trips to special UNICEF projects around the Commonwealth will be shown during the Opening Ceremony of the Games at Celtic Park on July 23.

Spectators, athletes and an expected one billion viewers from across the Commonwealth then have the chance to play their part in the Ceremony by making a donation via a text number or url to help create a powerful Games legacy for children.

Organisers say details of the text number and url will be released closer to the time.

A 90-second trailer has been released today which features Sir Chris introducing the star names and giving a preview of the films which will be shown during the Ceremony next month.



Commenting on the unique initiative, Commonwealth Games Federation President, Prince Tunku Imran said: "This is about the Commonwealth Games bringing the nations and territories of the Commonwealth together through sport and I am delighted that for the first time our Opening Ceremony itself will create an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children across the Commonwealth."

UNICEF is an official charity partner of Glasgow 2014 and in partnership with the CGF aims to raise money for the Children of the Commonwealth Fund, in the run-up to and during the Games.

As part of the link-up people purchasing tickets for the Games have been given the option of donating £1 ($1.50/€1.14), £2 ($3.05/€2.30) or £5 ($7.60/€5.80) to the fund.

Popstar Nicole Scherzinger's visit to a UNICEF project in Guyana will be shown during the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony ©Glasgow 2014



Sir Chris, a Glasgow 2014 ambassador, visited Malawi to see the work being carried by UNICEF and his trip will be featured as part of the Opening Ceremony.

"Meeting children whose lives have been so hugely improved by UNICEF was an incredible experience that will stay with me forever," said the six-time Olympic gold medallist.

"In some parts of Malawi children are going hungry, but at school they are provided with a nutritious meal.

"Shockingly, for many of them it's the only meal they will get all day.

"And things we take for granted in the UK, like basic medicine, are not always available in Malawi."

Speaking about her trip to a UNICEF project in Guyana, American Scherzinger said: "It was wonderful to see how UNICEF is transforming children's lives.