Glasgow bids for ‘top sports city’

GLASGOW is bidding to be named the top sports city in the world.

It has made a shortlist of the SportBusiness Ultimate Sports City Awards which are held every two years. They are the longest established rankings of the world’s top sports hosts.

Glasgow secured a ranking of eighth in the world in 2014, having moved up one place from ninth in 2012. The city made its debut in the 2010 rankings when it finished in 11th place.

This year it is up against champions London, Melbourne, Beijing, Berlin, Calgary, Doha, Dubai, Kazan, Sochi, Kuala Lumpur, Manchester, Moscow, New York, Paris and Sydney.

Glasgow has been in the world sporting spotlight since hosting what were described as the best ever Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Last year it delivered the World Gymnastics Championships, the IPC Swimming World Championships and two historic Davis Cup ties.

The city will also host the first European Championships in 2018, which brings together athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon along with a new golf event.

City council leader Frank McAveety said: “Our rise as one of the world’s top sporting cities has been secured thanks to our investment in worldclass facilities.

“Since 2009 we have invested close to £200million building new and improved sports venues such as the Emirates Arena which has helped us attract some of the world’s best events.”