Glasgow to host 2014 Games

Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games after beating off a rival bid from Nigeria's Abuja.

The decision was announced by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell after its general assembly meeting held in the Sri Lankan capital.

Glasgow secured 47 votes against 24 for Abuja out of a total of 71 member countries. The two were the only candidates left to host the 20th edition of the quadrennial event.

"I can't believe it, it's fantastic," Louise Martin, the chairwoman of the 2014 Glasgow bidding team, told Reuters after the announcement with tears in her eyes.

Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was stoical in defeat, saying: "It's not the end of the world and interest in the Commonwealth and the efforts in sports will continue unabated."

Scotland has hosted the Games twice, in 1970 and 1986, both times in Edinburgh.

Explaining the federation's decision, Fennell said: "The Glasgow bid was very well prepared. It was clear that they had an excellent understanding of the requirement – with the experience of hosting the Games."

In early March, the Atlantic Canadian city of Halifax withdrew its bid amid criticism of the growing cost of hosting the event and a perceived lack of transparency in the bid process.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, told the Glasgow 2014 bid Web site (www.glasgow2014.com) the decision was "a momentous day for Scotland, not just in terms of sporting achievement but also in our bid to inspire a whole generation to live healthier, more physically active lifestyles.

"It'll also be a huge boost to our economy thanks to all the visitors who will come here.

"But perhaps more importantly, the Government is determined that the Games will provide a springboard for regeneration in some of our most deprived communities right here in Glasgow, as well as an opportunity to create a lasting sporting legacy for Scotland."

DELIGHTED CROWD

News of the victory delighted thousands of flag-waving supporters across the city, including politicians, celebrities and sporting personalities who had gathered in Glasgow's Old Fruit Market, to await the result.

Derek Casey, director of the Glasgow bid, had outlined several reasons why the city should be chosen in a news release issued before the voting.

Casey said "availability of infrastructure, and all the facilities, the endless desire of the Scotland people to see their country being the host country for 2014 Commonwealth Games and the talents of the sportsmen of the country are among them.

"Furthermore, we will assure the safety of all the visitors to the country."

The Evaluation Commission, headed by John Tierney, the CGF's Regional Vice President for Oceania, had visited the two bidding cities during June this year.

Africa has never hosted the event, which began as the British Empire Games in 1930. The 19th Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India in 2010.

- Reuters