Common health shames
THE Commonwealth Games failed to deliver a “step change” in physical activity among Scots, according to a major study.
In the east end of Glasgow – where the 2014 Games were hosted – physical activity levels have actually gone into reverse.
The findings raise serious questions over any long-lasting health legacy four years since world-class athletes such Usain Bolt competed in the city.
A series of reports were published yesterday by the Scottish Government looking at the impact of regeneration and sport across the country.
One report called the final evaluation, warned: “The international evidence shows that hosting a major event is not, in and of itself, likely to have an automatic, positive impact on population levels of sports participation and physical activity.
“There are so many factors that influence the nature and levels of both. Overall, the Commonwealth Games have not resulted in a step change in population levels of physical activity in Scotland.
“However, overall participation rates have remained relatively stable in Scotland and there is evidence that those already active are more active.”
Positive findings included better housing and standard of living in some areas of regeneration, particularly the converted “athletes’ village” in Dalmarnock.
A separate study of the Games’ impact on the east end, called GoWell East, showed overall levels of activity were higher in the two years before the event than in 2016.
The failure was also blamed on reduced council spending and cuts in lottery funding.
The report stated: “These factors may partly explain why it does not look as if the Games have inspired higher levels of sports participation and physical activity in the east end, or at least there is no evidence for this from our surveys.
“Indeed, the numbers of people reporting exercising regularly and regularly visiting parks, green spaces and sports fields have dropped since 2012.”
More than 1000 people in the area were surveyed before and after the 2014 Games.
Residents were canvassed in Bridgeton, Calton, Camlachie, Dalmarnock, Gallowgate and part of Parkhead. Only 53 per cent of the study sample were “physically active” at recommended levels, down nine points from the 2012 survey.
The result is slightly higher than the 50 per cent level for “deprived areas” across Scotland.
The number of households who said they undertook weekly exercise to stay fit and healthy dropped by 12 points to 31 per
As the world watches the spectacular start to the Commonwealth Games today, a new study shows how Glasgow’s 2014 games failed to deliver any long term benefit to the physical fitness of Scots
cent. While sport activities have fallen, the report authors said there are positive signs.
More people are walking further thanks in part to massive regeneration of the area including environmental improvements and better paths and cycle ways.
Residents, particularly in the converted athletes’ village area, feel safer after dark, the report suggests. Employment rates have improved but are still lower than the rest of the city.
“In respect of a flourishing legacy, however, it does not look as if adults in the study area have gained jobs at a faster rate than adults across the city as a whole over the same period,” the report found.
Volunteering has also reduced, leading to concern about future employment prospects. The SNP Government said the 2014 Games helped put Scotland on the map and bring in more international events.
Since the Games, Scotland has secured 65 UK and international events worth £27.5million.
The seven years before the Games helped bring in £740million to the economy, including £390million to Glasgow, and supported an average of 2100 jobs a year. Housing stock has improved in some areas and there are more community “sports hubs” in Scotland.
Sport Minister Aileen Campbell, who is in Australia where the 2018 Games begin today, said: “What is clear from the report is that this incredible fortnight has had a lasting impact on Scotland and created a legacy that will bring social, cultural and economic benefits for years to come. “The experience has also put Scotland and Glasgow in a great position to host major events, such as developing and co-hosting the new 2018 European Championships with Berlin this summer.” Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: “The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow received significant investment and were a huge success. “But we need to start seeing a lasting impact of that investment, otherwise people will begin to question if the funding was altogether worthwhile.”