09/11/2007

Glasgow to Host 'Greatest Sporting Event We Have Ever Seen'

Glasgow has erupted in celebration after the announcement Scotland will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The decision has been greeted with mass enthusiasm by hundreds of Glaswegians who gathered in the town centre awaiting the result, and the celebrations were soon joined by passing motorists who soon joined the chorus of rejoice by blared their horns.

The construction industry will now be working relentlessly on preparations for the games, and vying for the lucrative contracts soon to be announced.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen. They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland."

Former Labour First Minister Jack McConnell, whose administration launched the Glasgow bid, 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."

Early estimates suggest the taxpayer will have to foot £288 million for the privilege however, and with the experience of exponentially expanding budgets and deadlines for London 2012 snapping at the heels, the Scottish Government will have to rise to the challenge of making the games a success; in its construction, execution, while within budget and, of course, in sporting achievement.

(DW/JM)

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