A world of opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to shine on the global stage was announced today with the unveiling of the International Sector Route of the Queen’s Baton Relay – one of the unique traditions of the Commonwealth Games.

From the plains of Africa to the gleaming skyscrapers of Singapore; from the tiny tropical islands of St Lucia and Dominica to Canada’s snow-capped mountains; today Glasgow 2014’s Organising Committee revealed the journey the baton will take over land, sea and air around the globe, visiting every nation and territory of the Commonwealth, before travelling the length and breadth of Scotland on its way to its final destination – the Opening Ceremony.

Women's Boxing is to be included in the Glasgow 2014 sports programme, it was announced today. This is the first time ever the sport has featured in a Commonwealth Games and follows the recent success of the debut of Women's Boxing at London 2012.

The announcement was made on Friday at the Commonwealth Games Federation's General Assembly in Kampala, Uganda and marks an historic moment for female athletes within the Games Movement.

Women's Boxing will feature as a full Commonwealth medal event for the first time, with medals in three weights: Fly Weight (48-51kg), Light Weight (57-60kg) and Middle Weight (69-75kg) – the same events as London 2012.

Clyde, the patriotic and adventurous thistle who will be the friendly face of the Games, made a dramatic entrance as he was unveiled to the world at BBC Scotland's HQ in Glasgow – located appropriately on the banks on the world-famous river that inspired his name.

He was welcomed on stage by Olympic swimming stars Rebecca Adlington and Michael Jamieson. Along with 150 school pupils from across the city they heard for the first time Clyde's magical story – as told by actor, comedian and Glasgow 2014 Ambassador Billy Connolly, who narrated an animated film which premiered at the launch.

Swimming star and London 2012 medallist Rebecca Adlington has today (Monday 17 September) been announced as a Glasgow 2014 Ambassador. The Team GB sensation will experience her first involvement with the Games at this week's launch of the official Glasgow 2014 Mascot.

Double Olympic champion and Great Britain's greatest ever swimmer Rebecca will join Great Britain's most celebrated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who was recently announced as the first Glasgow 2014 Ambassador.