News story

Armed Forces minister gets a taste of gold

Mark Francois has met with gold medal winners and military personnel at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

• From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon Mark Francois MP
• Published: 30 July 2014
• Last updated: 31 July 2014 — See all updates

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Mark Francois visits personnel from 39 Engineer Regiment in Kinloss, Scotland

On a visit to Hampden Park the Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois met with judo gold and bronze medallists Chris Sherrington and Mark Shaw, both members of the UK Armed Forces.

Mr 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.

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

Mark Francois meets with Armed Forces Commonweath Games judo gold and bronze medallists Chris Sherrington and Mark Shaw

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.

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

Lieutenant Commander Mark Shaw said:

I’m absolutely delighted to have won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 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.

As well as his medallist meet-up Mr Francois’s also met with military personnel who are helping to provide security for the Games, supporting the Scottish Police.

Published 30 July 2014
Last updated 31 July 2014 + show all updates

1. 31 July 2014

   Photo added

2. 30 July 2014

   First published.