Glasgow Holds 2014 Games

Glasgow has been chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
There were celebrations in the Scottish city as the decision of the 71 voting nations was announced in Sri Lanka, with Glasgow winning by 47 votes to 24.

The city had been competing against Nigerian capital Abuja for the right to host the games.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen."
He added: "They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland."

The announcement was greeted with delight by hundreds of people who had gathered in Glasgow's George Square to hear the result.
Motorists also joined in the celebrations by blaring their horns.

About 2,000 children had gathered for the announcement at Tollcross Leisure Centre in the east end of the city, which will host the swimming events.

In the pool, more than 20 young swimmers who will now be going for gold jumped and splashed with delight when the result came through.

In the grandstand, hundreds of people waved Glasgow 2014 flags and cheered.

Councillor George Ryan, executive member for development and regeneration, said: "This is absolutely superb, Glasgow will flourish with this announcement today.

"Two-and-a-half years of hard work put into the bid and we've now delivered."

In a message, the Queen said: "I send my warm congratulations to everyone involved in Glasgow's successful bid to hold the 2014 Commonwealth Games - the third time that a Scottish city has been chosen as a venue for the games.

"My good wishes go to you all and to the people of Glasgow as you celebrate this impressive achievement."

Scottish Secretary Des Browne said: "Glasgow's bid was exceptional and I am confident that the people of Glasgow will excel in hosting the games.

"This will bring further hope to Glasgow's east end, building a beacon of regeneration that will offer opportunities for generations."

Julia Bracewell OBE, chairwoman of Sportscotland, said it was "fantastic news".

"Hosting such a high profile event will undoubtedly help to drive sport forward at all levels, increasing participation and improving performance.

"It will provide Scottish athletes with the advantage of competing and being supported on home soil.

"And as importantly, it will give coaches, officials and volunteers the experience of a lifetime."

It has been estimated that it will cost the city £288m to stage the sporting event, with most of the funding coming from the Scottish Government. BBC