Commonwealth Games: Stars of future try new Games arena

By ALISTAIR MUNRO
Published on 06/10/2012 02:12

HUNDREDS of primary school children have been given the chance to try out the multi-million-pound main venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Some 400 pupils from across Glasgow joined politicians and 2014 Games organisers to open the Emirates Arena and take part in athletics, badminton, basketball and track cycling.

The £113 million complex in the East End of the city includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and National Indoor Sports Arena. It was funded by the city council and national agency Sportscotland.

The site was named the Emirates Arena in a deal struck with the Middle Eastern airline last week, although the sponsorship will be removed for the duration of the Games.

Sir Chris gave his seal of approval to the velodrome that bears his name when he tested it earlier this week.

The venue also contains a 200-metre indoor running track. At the touch of a button, its bends can be lowered to create a larger, flat arena for other sports. The arena has 5,000 permanent seats.

The velodrome is a 250-metre track built from Siberian timber and it has a permanent viewing capacity of 2,000, with an additional 2,000 temporary seats for the 2014 Games.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said the venue belonged to “the children of the city” as he unveiled a plaque to mark the opening and joined youngsters for a trial of some of the sports on offer.

He said: “The arena is simply spectacular and it’s great to be surrounded by Glasgow schoolkids enjoying world-class facilities in their home town. It’s principally for use for the people of the city. There will be elite athletes using it over the next few months and throughout the Commonwealth Games, but it’s for everyone to make use of.

“This area was wasteland a few years ago and we now have a world-class venue. So I want young people to come here to try it out, watch elite athletes and be inspired by what happens in here.”

Children from Dalmarnock Primary were the first to try out the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and were suitably impressed.

Pupil Sean Clark said: “It’s brilliant. I’ve only cycled outside before on the pavement, but it’s much better inside because the ground is smooth and you can go much faster.”

He added: “I got a new bike in the summer and want to join a club. I’ve never really had a proper race but it looks good fun and I want to try it.”

Sport minister Shona Robison said she was delighted with the completed venue and hoped it would promote sport among young people.

“This venue will allow all children to participate in new sports that might give them a lifelong interest and help them to be fit and healthy,” she said.

“Some people will hopefully rise to the top, but it is just as important that lots of people just enjoy sport and become more active.

“From whatever angle you look at it, this is a major step 
forward for Glasgow and for Scotland.”

The arena took two years to build, with 500 people working on the site during peak construction, according to the council. About 175 people work there now.