Glasgow wins 2014 Commonwealth Games

Published on Friday 9 November 2007 13:09

GLASGOW'S bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games ended in triumph today.

The city beat off competition from the Nigerian capital Abuja to win the crucial ballot, sparking wild scenes of celebration in Glasgow's Fruitmarket.

The decision means that Edinburgh is likely to host the diving contest at a revamped Commonwealth Pool, although final details have yet to be decided.

Glasgow had been the firm favourites going into today's meeting of Commonwealth Games Federation delegates in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Glasgow bid won by 47 votes to 24.

First Minister Alex Salmond hailed Glasgow's victory and pledged: "We will make these Games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen.

"They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland."

Julia Bracewell OBE, chair of sportscotland, said the result was "fantastic news" for the entire country.

She said: "Hosting such a high-profile event will undoubtedly help to drive sport forward at all levels, increasing participation and improving performance.

"It will provide Scottish athletes with the advantage of competing and being supported on home soil. And as importantly, it will give coaches, officials and volunteers the experience of a lifetime."

The result was greeted with cheers of joy from the Scottish bid team in Sri Lanka.

And there were scenes of celebration in Glasgow as the news was broadcast live on big screens at a series of public events, including around 1000 people in the Old Fruitmarket venue for the main event.

The Glasgow bid organisers had faced an agonising wait after the final presentations ended before the result was announced by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell at 12.42pm UK time.

Mr Salmond headed up Glasgow's final presentation which lasted around 30 minutes and was accompanied by a video narrated by Sir Sean Connery.

He told delegates that Scotland was ready to host the Games for the first time since 1986.

The First Minister said hosting the Games in Glasgow would mean people would be "united in celebration of sport".

Glasgow were favourites because of the technical strength of the bid but Abuja was thought to have a lot of support from those hoping to see the Games in Africa for the first time.

The victory will result in a massive regeneration of Glasgow's poverty-hit east end, with new investment in sporting and housing facilities.

And it means the UK could host some of the biggest tournaments in world sport in a glittering decade.

The 2010 Ryder Cup will take place in Wales, with the event returning to British shores four years later when it is held at Gleneagles.

London will host the 2012 Olympics and the Rugby Football Union have already declared their intention to bid for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The FA has officially announced that it will bid to host the 2018 football World Cup and a year later the cricket version will again be held in England.

Welcoming the result, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "It's looking like a great sporting decade for our country."

Mr Salmond pledged to make the 2014 Commonwealth Games the greatest sporting event in Scotland's history.

The First Minister said ordinary Scots had played a part in securing the Games by their enthusiasm for the bid – and he pledged an "electrifying" event.

"We will make these Games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen," Mr Salmond said in Colombo.

"They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland, to inspire people to take up a sport or embrace a healthier lifestyle, and a chance for our athletes to compete for Scotland on Scottish soil."

The Games would showcase Glasgow as "the friendly city", said Mr Salmond, who described today's announcement as the culmination of years of hard work.

"We put together a great bid and this was recognised by the voters," he said.

He quoted a report by the evaluation commission which said Glasgow had demonstrated the ability to put on an event that would enhance the image and prestige of the Commonwealth Games.

"But it's all of us – the people of Scotland – who have helped to make our Games dream a reality.

"The enthusiasm and excitement shown by people across the country did not go unnoticed.

"It's up to us all now to keep building the buzz to make sure we put on an electrifying Games and to make sure that we make the most of this wonderful opportunity."