GLASGOW 2014 RESPONDS TO EVALUATION COMMISSION COMMENTS
FOLLOWING the media conference at the end of the Commonwealth Games Federation Evaluation Commission's visit to Glasgow, 2014 Bid Director Derek Casey said: "The last few days have been tiring, but overwhelmingly constructive.
"We have discussed a vast range of issues, have swapped ideas and undertaken some crystal ball gazing about what the Games in Glasgow would be like in 2014.
"We have been buoyed by the encouraging words from the Evaluation Commission.
"We will keep improving by addressing the points raised by the Commission. We don't just want to win the Bid, we want to put on a great Games for Glasgow, for Scotland and for the Commonwealth."
The Evaluation Commission will publish their technical report on September 9th 2007.
The 71 voting countries of the Commonwealth will meet in Sri Lanka on November 9th to decide the host city for the 2014 Games.
FULL TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS GIVEN BY JOHN TIERNEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE CGF EVALUATION COMMISSION TODAY
Evaluation Commission Closing Press Conference - Glasgow
CGF Evaluation Commission Comments
First of all… I would like to thank all of those people who have worked so hard to make this last 4 days informative and productive for the Commonwealth Games Federation's Evaluation Commission.
We have learnt a great deal about Glasgow's plans for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and have exchanged many concepts and ideas.
We have received a considerable amount of information and we have enjoyed visiting your city of Glasgow and have been extended wonderful assistance and hospitality by all we have come into contact with.
When we first arrived I confirmed our role and that the Commission is tasked to produce a technical analysis and report by 9 September 2007.
As a result of the effective working relationship we have formed with the Bid Committee and the CGA of Scotland we are well placed to complete that section of the report which relates to Glasgow.
Impressions of Glasgow
Glasgow is an ancient city undergoing a modern renaissance…it is full of promise and opportunity.
Glasgow is a dynamic multi-faceted city with a sophisticated economic, social and physical infrastructure.
We congratulate the CGA of Scotland, the Bid Committee, the Glasgow City Council and the National government of Scotland.
Your overall Games plan and the manner in which you have woven the conduct of the Games into the city is truly impressive. We can see that you have developed the essential skeleton upon which to grow the detailed plans for staging the Games.
Your overall Games masterplan, the sports venues, the concept for the Athletes Village, the availability of accommodation, the transport concept and the general backdrop of Glasgow presents a great Games opportunity.
Government Support
To the Scottish Government and the Glasgow City Council, I extend the CGFs appreciation for the extensive support offered to the Commonwealth Games should Glasgow be selected as the host on 9 November 2007.
This Government support will be critical to the Games project and of course underpins the Bid Committees promise to the nations of the Commonwealth.
Without such support it would be difficult to envisage a successful Glasgow Games.
Inspiration for a Nation
We have seen first hand how important these Games are to Glasgow and Scotland. Your representatives have impressed upon us how much inspiration and forward planning is attached to the opportunity of hosting the Commonwealth Games.
The Governments at all levels are committing their support but not just for the sake of the Games.
They can see economic and social dividends which will transcend the community and will last well beyond the Closing Ceremony of the Games.
And the people in the street and the business community have all put a significant support behind this bid.
We have sensed that a decision to award the Games to Glasgow will inspire this wonderful country and support a growing international confidence and voice for Scotland.
We also see the staging of a Commonwealth Games in complete accord with the development plan for Glasgow.
We hope that win or loose this bid will support future event efforts by Glasgow and Scotland. We know the journey will not end with the 2014 Games…what Glasgow offers as an event host is substantial…will be improved as a result of this bid exercise… and will be attractive to other event hosts as well as the CGF.
To the Scottish CGA, congratulations on mounting this bid…it is never easy and you have already represented your country with great distinction.
To the Bid Committee - keep up the hard work - there is much to do before your final presentation on 9 November in Sri Lanka.
To the athletes of Scotland - train hard, aspire to excellence and if we don't see you in Delhi, we will see you in 2014…wherever it may be!!!!