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Barcelona 'template for success'
15/12/2008
Barcelona's economic, cultural and health transformation resulting from the 1992 Olympics will be a 'template for success' as Scotland looks to secure a strong and lasting legacy from Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games.
That was the message from First Minister Alex Salmond when he heard first-hand of the positive post-Olympic changes experienced in Catalonia during an official visit to Barcelona as a guest of the Catalan Government.
The FM announced that a representative from the Catalan Government will now work with officials in Scotland to help develop the legacy planning for the Commonwealth Games.
As well as putting Barcelona on the sporting map, the 1992 Olympics delivered significant economic and cultural benefits for the Catalan capital, including an increase in tourism that saw demand for hotel rooms rise by 150 per cent in 10 years.
Barcelona has also used the Olympic legacy to fashion itself as one of the world's top destinations for culture and art.
Mr Salmond said:
"Improving Scotland's health will be the unifying theme of our Games Legacy Plan. Our ambition is to deliver a strong and clear message that Scotland is a truly modern, healthy society - that Scotland has put itself further on the path to a healthier future.
"We are also clear that the 2014 Commonwealth Games must act as a catalyst for economic, physical and social regeneration.
"There's probably no better place on earth to look to for inspiration than Barcelona, where the 1992 Olympics transformed the city into the vibrant and successful place it is today.
"We should use Barcelona as a template for success as we drive forward our 2014 legacy planning which will engage and galvanise people and communities across all of Scotland.
"The Glasgow Games have the potential to inspire long term change in Scotland by developing new skills, improving people's health and reaping the full benefit of such a major event. This is why we are keen to learn more about Barcelona's experience of hosting global sporting event.
"I am delighted that the authorities here in Catalonia have agreed to identify an experienced individual to work with us as we develop our legacy plans for Glasgow 2014.
"Barcelona made huge strides in the run up to 1992 and well beyond in encouraging increased sports participation, investment in facilities, healthy eating campaigns and elite sports development.
"The city also experienced amazing economic benefits, not least in the area of tourism.
"And it also used the Olympics to tackle much-needed regeneration in a range of innovative and effective ways, helping to create today's Barcelona which is a leading global business centre and one of the world's premier tourist destinations.
"We must strive to make sure the legacy from 2014 brings similar benefits to Glasgow and Scotland, in sport facilities and participation, health improvement, tourism, business development, education and regeneration."