Hosting major sporting event failed to raise Scots’ activity levels

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Report reveals impact of Glasgow 2014 event

Glasgow’s hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games failed to make Scots more active, a major new report on the impact of the event has concluded.

The final evaluation report into the tournament found benefits for both Scotland and the city – saying between 2007 and 2014 the preparation for and delivery of the Commonwealth Games contributed £740 million to the economy and was worth £390m to Glasgow.

The £540m sporting event also supported an estimated average of 2,100 jobs per year across Scotland over the period, peaking in 2014.

There has also been “very considerable success” in attracting other major sporting events to both Glasgow and Scotland thanks to investment associated with the Games.

By the end of 2017, Games venues had been booked to host 57 events of UK or international standing, with a further eight events held in Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth sports but which took place in other venues.

The report – published the day before the 2018 Commonwealth Games opens on Australia’s Gold Coast – said: “The infrastructure has been a huge asset for Glasgow and Scotland. The aspiration to attract international and national events of high calibre has clearly been met.”

But it also stated that overall Glasgow 2014 “has not resulted in a step change in population levels of physical activity in Scotland”.

The GoWell East study – which tracked the lives of people in the Games area between 2012 and 2016 – found levels of activity fell over time, with just over half (53%) of people physically active at the recommended levels in 2016, compared to 62% in the 2012 survey.

Meanwhile a small scale study of longterm residents in the Dalmarnock area found that while people saw the flagship Emirates Arena as a “positive landmark and an attraction for their neighbourhood” few had actually visited the facility, partly because of perceived high costs.

Sport minister Aileen Campbell said: “Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games was the largest sporting and cultural event ever held in Scotland and was declared the best games ever.

“The event has been recognised internationally as an example of strong leadership, planning and partnerships. It has changed the lives of thousands of people.”

The GoWell East study – which tracked the lives of people in the Games area between 2012 and 2016 – found levels of activity fell over time