McConnell: 'Games should inspire'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7087299.stm Version 0 of 1. Scotland's former first minister hopes Glasgow's Commonwealth Games success will inspire young Scots. Jack McConnell, whose Labour-led administration kicked off the bid, said they would be fantastic for the city. His successor Alex Salmond has pledged to make the games, in 2014, the best sporting event in Scottish history. UK Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said she looked forward to co-operating with the games organisers as they took their plans forward in the coming years. The Glasgow bid beat its rival, the Nigerian capital of Abuja, by 47 votes to 24 when Commonwealth nations voted in Sri Lanka. This news will capture the imagination of children and young people across Scotland Nicol StephenScottish Lib Dem leader Speaking from Glasgow, Mr McConnell said: "This is fantastic news for Glasgow and for Scotland. "I hope young Scots are inspired by the excitement the games will bring, and the Commonwealth enjoys the best ever games in 2014." Mr Salmond said ordinary Scots had played a part in securing the games by their enthusiasm for the bid. "It's all of us, the people of Scotland, who have helped to make our games dream a reality," he said. "The enthusiasm and excitement shown by people across the country did not go unnoticed." 'Capture imagination' Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander said the event could also help Scots get fitter and more active. "Scotland really has won gold," she said. Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie said the event would leave a lasting legacy of inspired youngsters. The Glasgow MSP said: "I know the city and the people will do us proud." The party's UK leader David Cameron added: "When I visited Glasgow to back the bid, it was clear that to me its friendly and vibrant qualities would make it a perfect location for this international festival of sport." Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen, the former deputy first minister, said: "This news will capture the imagination of children and young people across Scotland. I'm certain it will spur them on to go for gold in 2014." Ms Jowell said: "I know everyone involved with the Glasgow bid will feel the same sense of elation that we did when London's Olympic bid was successful and I look forward to co-operating with the games organisers as they develop their exciting plans over the next seven years." |