Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is now officially up and running, City Leader, Steven Purcell has announced.
He was speaking as the First Minister, Jack McConnell, announced that the Scottish government will support the bid and provide substantial funding if the bid to the Commonwealth Games Federation is successful.
Speaking at Glasgow’s Hampden Park, one of the proposed Games venues, Councillor Purcell said:
"Glasgow and Scotland are truly going for gold with this bid. The social and economic dividend of the Games will bring great benefits and provide a lasting legacy for the city and nation.
“I'm overwhelmed by the full backing of Scottish Ministers and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, and I'm sure all of Glasgow and Scotland will join with us in securing success in 2014.”
The First Minister added: “The Commonwealth Games has the potential to change our country. Taking the bold step to bring one of the largest events in the world to Scotland shows the scale of our ambition as a nation and the confidence that we have in our biggest city.
“I hope this decision will inspire thousands of Scots to take up the challenge of sport. We want future generations to have the facilities, the desire and the confidence to make the most of themselves. And we will showcase modern Scotland to billions of people.
“This is the right decision to make. Glasgow’s bid is viable, it is winable and it will leave a lasting legacy across all of Scotland. The competition to host the Games may well be fierce, but with the support of everyone in Scotland, this is a race that we can win.”
Liz Cameron, the Lord Provost of Glasgow said: "The announcement that Glasgow is to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is great news. Glasgow has on many occasions demonstrated its ability to host large scale sporting events and I am certain that it has the capability to host these games.
"The support of the Scottish Executive and Sport Scotland is crucial and the statement by the First Minister this morning is very welcome. The Commonwealth Games will provide a legacy of sporting facilities for the current generation of young people and for future generations too.
"The support of the Scottish people is also required and I am sure they will as always rise to the challenge and the people of Scotland including the business community can only benefit from such an occasion."
Louise Martin CBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland said: "We are delighted that Scottish Ministers have agreed to back a Scottish bid for 2014. We believe that a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would be good for Scotland, great for Scottish sport and a fantastic opportunity for Scottish athletes to compete in front of a home crowd."