THESE are fantastic times for sport in Scotland. The Commonwealth Committee announced yesterday that the Commonwealth Games will come to Glasgow in 2014.
Everyone involved in the bid should be congratulated for their hard work in bringing the Games to Scotland. Staging such a bid takes years of dedication and hard work all of which comes to a climax on one night where dreams are realised. The Glasgow
bid team have done a fantastic job and the whole of Scotland deserves the privilege of hosting the Commonwealth Games.
Edinburgh residents of a certain age are very familiar with the "Friendly Games" having played fantastic hosts to the competition back in 1970 and 1986. Who could forget the frenzied excitement of local school children at the opening ceremonies and the stunning gold medal performance of Liz McColgan (then Liz Lynch) in the 10,000 metres back in 1986?
Edinburgh will be heavily involved in the 2014 Games as we have a big part to play. Our city has wholeheartedly supported the bid since its launch back in 2005. Our Royal Commonwealth Pool will play host to the diving competition and we will welcome many sports fans and tourists who will come to Scotland for this huge festival of sport. This epitomises the spirit of the ongoing Collaboration Initiative between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
I'm excited about the Games in 2014. This bid has been built around securing benefits for the whole of Scotland and I agree that great opportunities lie ahead. Glasgow's success is Scotland's success and Edinburgh has much to gain.
I believe the Commonwealth Games will create a buzz of enthusiasm for sport in our city. Young people will see athletes performing in peak condition and will be inspired to take part, compete and make sport part of their lives. This potential must be capitalised upon. Sport is powerful: it can build self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging, it brings people together and it can inspire us all. You only need to consider the wave of euphoria that has surrounded the recent successes of our football teams and the fantastic reaction to the great performances of our athletes in Melbourne last year.
The Games will present many opportunities for business and tourism too, but the total impact will depend on how everyone in the city embraces the Games. Thousands of sports fans will come to Scotland and many will want to visit Edinburgh or use the city as a base. A whole range of organisations can benefit from the presence of such a high profile event.
Edinburgh backed Glasgow throughout its bid, we are right behind them as it makes preparations to host the Games and we are committed to ensuring that Edinburgh gets the maximum benefit.
• Jenny Dawe, City of Edinburgh Council leader
