HOSTING the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow failed to make Scots more active, although the city continues to benefit, according to a major new report on the impact of the tournament.
The final evaluation report into the event found there were benefits for both Scotland and Glasgow, and that between 2007 and 2014 the preparation and delivery of the Games contributed £740 million to the economy and was worth £390m to the city.
An estimated average of 2100 jobs per year were supported by the £540m event, peaking in 2014.
The success of the Games continues to draw world-class events, tourists and spending to Scotland, says the legacy report.
It added that Scotland has an enhanced international reputation for sports and culture, and since 2014 has secured 65 UK and international-level sports events worth £27.5m.
Games venues and infrastructure also attract cultural events and business conferences and conventions, and tourists with them.
There has also been “very considerable success” in attracting other major sporting events to Glasgow and Scotland thanks to investment associated with the Games.
And by the end of last year, its venues had been booked to host 57 events of UK or international standing, with a further eight held in Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth sports but which took place in other venues.
Published on the eve of the opening of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, the report said: “The infrastructure has been a huge asset for Glasgow and Scotland. The aspiration to attract international and national events of high calibre has clearly been met.”
However, it also said that overall Glasgow 2014 “has not resulted in a step change in population levels of physical activity in Scotland”.
Also published were reports on the impact on the health and wellbeing of Glasgow’s East End communities and the experience of Games volunteers.
The GoWell East study – which tracked the lives of people in the Games area between 2012 and 2016 – found levels of activity fell over time, with just over half (53 per cent) of people physically active at the recommended levels in 2016, compared to 62 per cent in 2012.
A study of long-term residents in the Dalmarnock area found that while people saw the flagship Emirates Arena as a “positive landmark and an attraction for their neighbourhood” few had actually visited the facility, partly because of perceived high costs.
Sport Minister Aileen Campbell said the event was declared the best games ever, and added: “What is clear from today’s report is that this incredible fortnight has had a lasting impact on Scotland and created a legacy that will bring social, cultural and economic benefits for years to come.
“The experience has also put Scotland and Glasgow in a great position to host major events, such as developing and co-hosting the new 2018 European Championships with Berlin this summer.”
David McDonald, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was a real catalyst for securing social, cultural and economic benefits for our city and for Scotland.”
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive, and former Glasgow 2014 chief executive, David Grevemberg, said the Games were widely regarded as a new Commonwealth benchmark, “raising the bar for future hosts”.
He added: “Today, with the Gold Coast 2018 opening ceremony about to take place, it’s inspiring proof of the impact and importance of Commonwealth sport.”
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