I ATTENDED an event called Sport for Business, jointly hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and law firm Harper McLeod.
Most of those present were businesspeople, with a smattering from the world of sport.
Some fascinating facts emerged about the benefit to business in Scotland that large events can bring. One that struck a major chord with me is that for every £1 we invest in bringing to and staging events in Glasgow, the economy benefits to the tune of £13. That’s pretty amazing by anyone’s calculation. We were also told Glasgow continues to punch above its weight in attracting events. A quick run through of what is coming up backed up that statement.
Talking of punching, it was great to be at the Paisley Lagoon last weekend to watch Hannah Rankin, Scotland’s top professional female boxer, in action and winning her fight against Eva Bajic, a former world champion.
It was Hannah’s first fight since losing her world title to US boxer Claressa Shields and she is determined to regain her crown.
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We had a mixed table on the night with some newcomers to the sport and they all agreed it was a great night’s entertainment.
There was a great turnout of family and friends supporting Hannah, as well as representatives from Scottish Squash, Scottish Sports Future, the Boy Scouts and Celtic FC Women among others.
Hannah and Celtic are looking to work together in the future and I find this an interesting combination. It’s so good to see women supporting other women in sport, not just through social media channels, but by actually being there in person on the night. It will be interesting to watch this unusual partnership grow and I have no doubt that both sides will learn something new from each other that they can take to their own respective sports.
Hannah’s main aim is to regain her world title and I think it would be wonderful to bring this fight to Scotland and get everyone behind her.
Of course this would depend on several things coming together at one time, but I don’t believe there are any issues that are insurmountable and, as always, I keep my fingers crossed.
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