Glasgow 2014 Welcomes CGF Officials
18/07/2007 |
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The first group of nine Commonwealth Games Federation officials from the Oceania region have arrived in Glasgow on a fact-finding visit. The group is to tour the city and meet members of the Scottish Executive, Glasgow City Council, and Glasgow 2014 bid leaders.
This is the first of six visits from the 71 voting members who have to decide who should host the 2014 Commonwealth Games – Glasgow or its only rival Abuja.
The countries that are part of the delegation include The Cook Islands, Fiji, Republic of Nauru, Tuvalu, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Norfolk Islands and Australia.
The group arrived at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station concourse, which has been decorated in “colourful and distinctive livery” of Scottish sporting heroes in action. Huge banners featuring giant images of runners, cyclists, swimmers and gymnasts are hanging from the station’s vaulted ceiling, and a “compass” on the concourse floor points to some of Scotland’s most iconic sporting venues which will be transformed if Glasgow’s bid is successful said the bid committee.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, one of the ministers to meet with the officials said, “I am certain our guests from Oceania will be impressed by the plans for what promises to be the greatest festival of sport our country has ever hosted. Staging these games will give Scotland the chance to showcase our vibrant nation to millions of people around the world. The excitement the Glasgow bid has generated across Scotland is palpable, and we want to extend a warm Scottish welcome to everyone who comes here to watch and participate”, reports the BBC.
Steven Purcell, head of Glasgow City Council, said that hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games would offer a “massive boost” to Glasgow and Scotland. He said, “the games would help our economy and inspire more people to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s why more than one million people across Scotland have backed our bid. Glasgow has a simple message for those visiting the city - we are ready to host a world class Commonwealth Games”.
Louise Martin, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council of Scotland said, “the delegates from Oceania are here to see for themselves what Glasgow and Scotland have to offer the Commonwealth and sport across the world. I know that they will take with them the impression that ours is a friendly city – a place that will open its arms to the world”.
(Source: Gamesbids.com)
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