Come on Glasgow! (Glasgow Commonwealth Games)

Member Name: berrydelight

Product:	Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Date:	18/05/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Regeneration of a city and a lasting legacy

Disadvantages: The builders working on the new motorway at 6am every day...!

I'll never forget the night before Glasgow was awarded the Commonwealth Games, it was bonfire night and as usual we were gathered on Glasgow Green watching the massive firework display and on the big screen the expectantly waiting delegates. The city had a buzz, having lived here for four years now it was a new feeling, one of excitement and possibility. The next day on hearing the city had been successful the doubts creeped in....can the city really be ready in time? Parts of Glasgow are fantastic but as with all cities some sections require massive amounts of work. But Glasgow and its occupants seem up for the challenge with a motorway extension commencing outside my flat (honestly Im not bitter  )within the week and the city is now awash with cranes and development land is finally being utilised......

The action kicks off on the 23rd July 2014 (feels like ages away but it will fly by!) until 3rd August 2014 and will attract 6,500 athletes and officials and an unknown number of tourists. The opening ceremony will be held in Celtic Park and will undoubtedly be a show to remember. With an impressive array of sports from Cycling (Chris Hoy is a Scottish Hero after all) Rugby and the less traditional table tennis.

The Locations
Obviously utilising the facilities that already exist like Hampden Park, SECC, Celtic Park and Ibrox. A new commonwealth village is to be built in the East End of Glasgow, previously a deprived area of the city. The two stand out locations for me are Kelvin Hall which will be utilised for the Boxing event and Strathclyde Park. Kelvin Hall is a stunning building in its own right it will be a very memorable location. Strathclyde park is on the outskirts of the city and will have some of the water events held their, as it is a natural loch I imagine it will be pretty chilly!!

There is a genuine commitment from the council and all those involved in the games that this should be the start of something and not a climax, the hope is that the new sport facilities and focus on an active life style will benefit everyone in the city. The investment in areas that have often been overlooked can only be a good thing and the modification of the transport networks and infrastructure will be a legacy for generations.
Im looking forward to it!

Summary: An event to inspire!