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Glasgow wins the Games
09/11/2007
Glasgow was today selected as the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Scotland's bid was preferred by Commonwealth delegates to the one from Abuja in Nigeria.
The final vote in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was 47 for Glasgow and 24 for Abuja.
In Colombo, First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow! We will make these Games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen. They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland. To inspire people to take up a sport or embrace a healthier lifestyle and a chance for our athletes to compete for Scotland on Scottish soil.
"We will have the honour of hosting some of the world's greatest athletes and thousands of visitors from all over the Commonwealth. We will show them that Glasgow deserves its reputation as the friendly city.
"Today's announcement is the culmination of years of hard work and I want to congratulate everyone involved in this Bid process. We put together a great bid and this was recognised by the voters. To quote the Evaluation Commission report 'Glasgow has demonstrated the ability to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games to a standard which would continue to enhance the image and prestige of the Games'.
"But it's all of us - the people of Scotland - who have helped to make our Games dream a reality.
"The enthusiasm and excitement shown by people across the country did not go unnoticed.
"It's up to us all now to keep building the buzz to make sure we put on an electrifying Games and to make sure that we make the most of this wonderful opportunity."
At Newton Primary School in Dunblane Minister for Parliamentary Business Bruce Crawford said:
"This is fantastic news for Glasgow and fantastic news for Scotland. These Games - Scotland's Games - will be the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen.
"They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland. And we, in turn, will have the honour of hosting some of the world's greatest athletes and thousands of visitors from all over the Commonwealth.
"But I am particularly pleased for Scotland's young people. The Games can help to inspire a generation of young people - like the pupils here at Newton - to get involved in sport and live healthier, more active lifestyles.
"Today's news provides us with further momentum in the efforts to nurture more young athletes to the top of their game - the next Allan Wells, the next Liz McColgan. But simply taking part in sport - at any level - can help us towards a fitter, healthier Scotland.
"It's up to us all now to keep building the buzz to make sure we put on an electrifying Games."