SCOTLAND WILL HOST THE 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Scots everywhere are celebrating Glasgow winning the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.  President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Michael Fennell, made the historic announcement today 9th November during the CGF General Assembly in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

News of the victory delighted thousands of flag-waving supporters across the city, including politicians, celebrities and sporting personalities who gathered in Glasgow’s Old Fruit Market, to await the result. 

Leading the Glasgow 2014 party in Glasgow, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the win, "a momentous day for Scotland, not just in terms of sporting achievement but also in our bid to inspire a whole generation to live healthier, more physically active lifestyles.”

Adding further, “We’ll be able to show the world what a vibrant and welcoming place Scotland is, and in return we’ll have the honour of welcoming some of the world’s greatest athletes to this country. It’ll also be a huge boost to our economy thanks to all the visitors who will come here. But perhaps more importantly, the Government is determined that the Games will provide a springboard for regeneration in some of our most deprived communities right here in Glasgow, as well as an opportunity to create a lasting sporting legacy for Scotland.

Also joining in the celebration and speaking on behalf of the city, former Lord Provost of Glasgow, and Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, Bailie Liz Cameron said, “Sport runs through the veins of Glaswegians. This city has a proud sporting reputation: UK City of Sport since 1996; European Capital of Sport 2003; and home to Scotland’s national football stadium – Hampden. And now the biggest prize of all, the right to host one of the world’s major multi-sporting events – the Commonweatlh Games in 2014, bringing even more world-class sporting facilities to the people of Glasgow.”

“But this isn’t just about 11 days in 2014. In the run up to the Games, we’ll be recruiting 15,000 volunteers, providing them with training and skills they can use for the rest of their lives. And we will continue to regenerate areas of our city, with new homes, businesses and a new sense of ambition, allowing every single Glaswegian to go for gold.”

And it’s not just the Scottish political world that’s celebrating this fantastic news as Michael Cavanagh, of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland explained, “The Commonwealth Games represents the only opportunity for Scottish athletes to compete for Scotland in an international multi-sport games.  The added incentive is, athletes will have the opportunity to compete on home soil inspiring them to produce the performances of their lives, with the support, passion and enthusiasm of the Scottish public. It gives our athletes, who are currently showing real potential in their sport, a tremendous incentive to work even harder to be selected for the Scottish team and for many of them to win medals for Scotland, in Scotland.” 

Looking to the future, one of our aspiring athlete’s, 11 year-old gymnast Danna Sim, from Glasgow’s School of Sport, said, “I am even more motivated than ever to win gold, in my home city and in front of a Scottish crowd.  If the Games are anything like today’s celebrations, I have so much to look forward to in 2014.”

And who would know better about winning on home soil than former Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist, Yvonne Murray, who finished off by saying, “I will never forget picking up my bronze medal, in Edinburgh, in 1986, which I felt was not just a personal achievement, but one I shared with the whole of Scotland. Well done, Glasgow. It will be a superb Games not just for athletes, but everyone who will have the time of their lives in a city renowned for friendliness and fun."

Not singing the blues, Deacon Blue’s lead singer, Ricky Ross, who entertained crowds at the Old Fruitmarket alongside pop sensation Amy McDonald, said "We’ve been performing for 22 years and in front of energetic and appreciative fans but this has definitely been one of our best ever gigs.  I think the audience was louder than us when we heard the news and we had microphones!  Well done Glasgow!

Across the city, the public and school children shared in the excitement at local sport centres including venues that will host events in 2014, including Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena and Tollcross and Scotstoun Leisure centres.
The announcement is just the start of a seven-year programme to deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games.