28/08/2012
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the Commonwealth Arena and the Athletes’ Village that will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games were today showcased to members of the Health and Sport Committee.
The visit came as the Committee began preparing to move forward its inquiry into the role of community sport next week.
Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Duncan McNeil MSP said:
“Next week, we will begin to look at the role of sport in our community. This is particularly important to help capitalise on the success of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and the inspirational impact of athletes across the world.
“All eyes are now on Glasgow ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. During our inquiry, we will examine the role of sport in everything from preventing disease to tacking anti-social behaviour. Hearing how these outstanding facilities will be used in the community both before and after the Games will help us assess the potential legacy of the Games for Scotland.”
Deputy Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Bob Doris MSP said:
“Whilst the Commonwealth Games are all about athletes performing at the height of their ability, the legacy set out by the Scottish Government is also about how the Games can inspire communities across the country.
“Part of this legacy is for community sport hubs up and down the country to become the heart of providing community sport facilities for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
"As host to the Games, this gives Scotland a unique opportunity to think again about our relationship with sport.”
Committee members had a private preview of the facilities in the Athletes’ Village, Velodrome and Arena due to open in October.
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 said:
“Glasgow 2014 was pleased to welcome the Health and Sport Committee to Commonwealth House and to update members on our progress towards delivering an outstanding Games for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth.
“The Commonwealth Games will be the largest sporting and cultural event ever to happen in Scotland and has the potential to create significant sporting and physical activity opportunities for individuals and communities across the nation.”
Background
Images of the visit will be sent to picture desks.
The Health and Sport Committee launched an inquiry on community sport on 2 July 2012 and has received 53 written submissions that will help to inform the inquiry. At the Committee’s first meeting after summer recess, it will take oral evidence from organisations including Sportscotland, NHS Scotland and the Scottish Sports Association.
The inquiry will seek to address the following themes:
- The contribution of people – focusing on the role of volunteers – and looking at how to ensure they have the opportunities and support necessary to best contribute to sport at a local level
- The benefit of local sports clubs both to (i) the preventative health agenda and (ii) their communities
- The importance of places for sport, in terms of availability, accessibility, affordability, and the quality of facilities.