Sports event can build on 2014 Games legacy
Political Correspondent THE European Championships being held in Glasgow this year can give the city another boost following from the Commonwealth Games four years ago, MSPs have said.
The city hosts the inaugural multi-sport championships this summer, jointly with Berlin, providing another opportunity to showcase Glasgow around the world.
MSPs debated the impact the championships could have on sport, health and the economy, highlighting the benefits the 2014 Games had on the city.
Aileen Campbell, minister for sport said that participation in sports clubs including athletics, cycling and swimming had increased across Scotland following the Games.
She added there had been a 10% rise in athletics club memberships alone.
However, opposition MSPs said there must be greater efforts to ensure as many people as possible get fitter and to ensure the lasting legacies benefit people in the most deprived communities.
The Championships will take place in August for 11 days across the city with tens of thousands of visitors expected to come to Glasgow.
The city will host the aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon events.
Golf will be held at Gleneagles and Berlin will host the athletics events.
Many venues hosted 2014 events like the Hydro, the Emirates Arena and Tollcross Aquatic Centre and the Cathkin Braes mountain biking centre.
New venues like the BMX biking centre in Knightswood have been created for the championships and others like Scotstoun equipped with temporary competition venues.
MSPs at Holyrood welcomed the success of the Commonwealth Games in enabling Glasgow to bid successfully for more events like the European Championships.
Others, while recognising and welcoming the success of Glasgow 2014, said there needs to be more effort to ensure benefits are felt in the communities where it is needed most.
Anas Sarwar, Glasgow Labour MSP, said 2014 was a huge success but there were still concerns over long-term legacy.
He said: “Glasgow is one of the top 10 sporting cities in the world and a true destination city for sport, culture and business.”
However, he added: “There is some evidence of increased participation but we need to see if that happens in the poorest areas where it is most in need. We need a longer term evaluation.”
He also said there were concerns around cuts to local government budgets having an impact on sporting participation.
Sandra White, Kelvin SNP MSP, said: “Glasgow 2018 offers a fantastic opportunity to build upon the lasting legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, giving local communities the chance to benefit from the Festival 2018 Our Place Fund as well as significant increases in tourism and to welcome inspiring sportspeople to our city. ”
The Conservatives said the 2014 Games didn’t have the desired effect on participation and called for more effort to ensure the 2018 Championships has a more positive impact on physical activity.