The early opening of Glasgow 2014 venues and high demand for tickets shows that the legacy of the games is “already in action”, according to the team behind the event.
Venues such as the refurbished Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome and Emirates Arena in Glasgow’s east end opened to the public more than a year before the games begin.
Demand around ticket sales and the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay have also swelled public interest, the Games Partners Progress Report said.
A £10 million Scottish Government fund to promote health and exercise and the launch of a series of cultural events in the build-up to the start of the games in July next year were also highlighted in the document which is produced by Glasgow 2014 organisers.
The organising committee has previously said a key aim of the games is to create a lasting economic, social and sporting legacy in Glasgow and Scotland.
Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “The past six months have seen an historic uptake of tickets, great performance of the commercial programme and a real vote of confidence from the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Co-ordination Commission.
“However, we are not complacent. We appreciate there’s still a lot of hard work to be done. Our focus now is to ensure that together we deliver a great global stage for the athletes of the Commonwealth and that this world-class festival of sport and culture also delivers a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland.”
The report comes on the day that concerns were raised over the legacy from last year’s Olympics. A House of Lords Committee found “little evidence” that the 2012 games, which pledged to inspire a generation, have triggered a boost in participation across the UK and criticised the continuing battle over the use of the Olympic Stadium.
The committee said it is “unconvinced” that the UK Government’s current plans to deliver a legacy in an effective and robust way will work. It recommended a government minister should be given overall responsibility for all strands of legacy across the UK to try to tackle the problems.