Robert Brown welcomes Commonwealth Games Consultation

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Feb 2008

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has today welcomed the announcement of a consultation exercise into ways that Scotland can gain long term benefits from the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

The consultation exercise aims to encourage people to come up with ideas about how the Commonwealth games can improve their lives throughout the country, and how it can deliver a long-term legacy beyond the two weeks that the games will take place.

Robert Brown said:

"The long term benefits the Commonwealth games can bring to Scotland - and particularly to young people - are almost endless.

"So that's why I welcome this consultation exercise - its important that we harness all the ideas surrounding this opportunity now, so that we can ensure there is a longer term legacy to the people of Scotland.

"There is a hugely important build up through the London Olympics of 2012 to the Commonwealth Games which will have sport and athletics continuously at the top of the agenda.

"The Games provide an excellent opportunity to engage particularly with young people, encouraging them to become more involved with sports and with healthy eating.

"They're also a fantastic opportunity for young people to see great sporting role models, try a new sport, become involved in sports clubs, or take advantage of coaching.

"And that's just the start, because there will be plenty of chances for young people to become involved in the games themselves - over 10,000 volunteers will be needed to help with the Games and the work experience and contacts this provides will be invaluable, not to mention the job opportunities the Games will bring to the area.

"I very much hope that a positive and wide ranging list of proposals come from this consultation exercise, and I look forward to seeing all parts of our community benefit from the arrival of the Games."

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