50 days to go

3rd June 2014

Ready to deliver the best Games ever.

With just 50 days to go to the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland is ready to welcome the world to a safe, successful and spectacular Games next month, which will provide lasting legacy benefits that will be felt long after the final medal has been handed out.

Preparations for the Games, which organising partners are confident will be the best ever seen, are on time and on budget, with evidence of its Legacy programme already showing benefits across Scotland's communities.

Young people across the country are benefiting from the Games, with modern apprenticeships up by almost 9,000 at 35,582 in 2013/14 compared to 26,614 in 2008/09.

And earlier this year, Glasgow was named as the eighth best sporting city in the world - climbing the ranks from ninth in 2012, and eleventh in 2010 – as people engage in sports and get more active.

There has been significant regeneration and investment in Glasgow, and the city’s East End in particular, with spectacular new venues including the Emirates Arena, which is home to the impressive Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the stunning SSE Hydro, the development of the Athletes’ Village, and the refurbishment and extension of the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison, said: "As we celebrate 50 days to go until the start of the XX Commonwealth Games, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight just how ready we are to deliver a truly spectacular event.

“We are on track to deliver the best Commonwealth Games in history. This is the biggest sporting and cultural event Scotland has ever hosted and all organising partners have been working tirelessly over the past seven years to get us to this stage.

“The economic impact of the Games is already being felt as new sporting venues and homes have been built, jobs have been created, and more young people are working in modern apprenticeship schemes that will provide them with essential skills for their working lives. We are also seeing people across the country become more active as the Games inspire more people to get involved in sport and physical activity.

“While we wish our athletes every success, the Games is much more than medals – it’s a catalyst for regeneration, innovation and for sustainable economic growth. With only 50 days to go to the opening ceremony, I’m delighted to say that Scotland is ready to welcome the world for the greatest Games ever."

Background

The XX Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow between 23 July and 3 August 2014. It will be the biggest multi-sports event that Scotland has ever hosted, bringing 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories to the city to compete in 17 different sports over 11 days.

Legacy 2014

Legacy 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative working to secure a lasting legacy for Scotland from hosting the XX Commonwealth Games. There are over 50 Legacy 2014 national programmes delivered by national partners and more than 70 supporting Legacy 2014 projects in place across Scotland, generating jobs and training opportunities, investing in new or upgraded community facilities, helping people to get more active, and inspiring fun learning opportunities and new global connections.

Visit www.legacy2014.co.uk and www.scotland.gov.uk/AssessingLegacy2014 for more information and to see what has already been achieved.