Young Scots Have Their Say On Commonwealth Games Legacy

Responses to a consultation seeking the views of young people on the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games were published yesterday as part of the national Discussion Day on the games.

The consultation, carried out by Young Scot, Scotland's national youth information agency, engaged with 1,024 young people aged between eight and 26. It asked young people what difference they felt the Commonwealth Games can make to their lives, to their families, their community and to Scotland as a whole.

Findings showed 96% of the young people who responded believe they will personally benefit from Glasgow hosting the games. Almost a quarter felt the games would help them to become healthier and fitter, while a third think tourism and a boost to the economy will be the greatest advantage to be generated by the sporting event. Furthermore, nearly half of all respondents believed hosting the games provides a platform for schools and colleges to boost young people's understanding of sport, health and fitness.


The consultation findings were presented by Young Scot's Local Investigation Teams to the 2014 Commonwealth Games Team plus representatives from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland at a Discussion Day event in Edinburgh yesterday.

Commenting on the survey Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "Getting people across Scotland to tell us what legacy they want from the 2014 Commonwealth Games is absolutely vital to inform future policy.

"It's not just about hosting a two-week sporting festival, it presents Scotland with great opportunities to make real improvements to people's lives, to raise our sights as a nation and regenerate communities across Scotland."

Maxwell said he wants everyone across the country to examine the proposals rigorously, and to come forward with ideas about how the Games can improve their lives.

Gregor Urquhart, Communications Director, Young Scot, added: "Young people in Scotland have told us how they feel about the Commonwealth Games and they have demonstrated an abundance of ideas and proposals of how the Games can benefit them and their communities, not just in the run-up to the Games but more importantly in the years afterwards."

(GK/JM)