Glasgow 2014 legacy ‘already underway’

THE early opening of Glasgow 2014 venues and high demand for tickets shows that the legacy of the Games is “already in action”, according to the team behind the event.

The Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, one of the key venues for next year's Commonwealth Games. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Venues such as the refurbished Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome and Emirates Arena in Glasgow’s east end opened to the public more than a year before the Games begin.

Demand around ticket sales and the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay have also swelled public interest, the Games Partners Progress Report said.

A £10 million Scottish Government fund to promote health and exercise and the launch of a series of cultural events in the build-up to the start of the Games in July next year were also highlighted in the document which is produced by Glasgow 2014 organisers.

Economic, social and sporting

The organising committee has previously said a key aim of the Games is to create a lasting economic, social and sporting legacy in Glasgow and Scotland.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “The past six months have seen an historic uptake of tickets, great performance of the commercial programme and a real vote of confidence from the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Co-ordination Commission, which shares our ambitions that Glasgow 2014 will be the best Commonwealth Games ever.

“However, we are not complacent. We appreciate there’s still a lot of hard work to be done. Our focus now is to ensure that together we deliver a great global stage for the athletes of the Commonwealth and that this world-class festival of sport and culture also delivers a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland.”

Olympic legacy concerns

The report comes on the day that concerns were raised over the legacy from last year’s Olympics.

A House of Lords Committee on the matter found “little evidence” that the 2012 Games, which pledged to inspire a generation, have triggered a boost in participation across the UK and criticised the continuing battle over the use of the Olympic Stadium.

The committee said it is “unconvinced” that the UK Government’s current plans to deliver a legacy in an effective and robust way will work, with time frames and targets “confused” and the political drive having “fallen by the wayside”.

It recommended a government minister should be given overall responsibility for all strands of legacy across the UK to try to tackle the problems.

G4S in line for Glasgow 2014 role

Security firm G4S is one of 19 companies in line to provide stewards and guards at next year’s Games.

The firm was heavily criticised for its part in the London Olympics when 3,500 military personnel had to be drafted in after the company admitted it might not be able to provide enough guards two weeks before the opening ceremony.

G4S supplies security and stewarding at numerous high-profile events in Scotland such as international games at Hampden, and the T in the Park music festival.