Salmond announces £23.5m pot for legacy from Games

Published on Tuesday 1 September 2009 21:37

A £23.5 million investment aimed at ensuring a lasting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been announced.

First Minister Alex Salmond said he hoped the event would start a "physical regeneration" in Scotland and today's money would help to secure this.

He was joined by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the People's Palace for the launch of a legacy blueprint for the Games.

Mr Salmond said: "As well as having great ambitions for Scotland's sporting stars at the 2014 Games, this government has great aspirations for the event to be a catalyst for physical, economic and social regeneration.

"A Games legacy for Scotland outlines an ambitious long-term approach that aims to capitalise on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to host a major international sporting event in the heart of Scotland."

The plan was launched yesterday with the announcement of 18 million in funding from sportscotland to support athletes, improve sports facilities and coaching and create a network of community sports hubs across Scotland.

Also announced was a 5.5m investment from the Big Lottery Fund 2014 communities grants programme.

It takes funding announced so far to support the legacy to more than 32m.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Our legacy plan aims to inspire everyone in Scotland to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation."

She added that participation in physical activity was at the heart of the legacy plan.