This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's Commonwealth Games
16/11/2005
Local authorities are being urged to work together to ensure the whole country can reap the benefits of a successful Commonwealth Games 2014 bid.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson and Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, are hosting a top level summit at the end of November with leaders from Scotland's 32 local authorities.
Ms Ferguson said:
"A successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be a success for Scotland, inspiring thousands of young people to take up and excel at sport.
"The whole country can share the social and economic benefits, providing a lasting legacy for the nation.
"That is why I'm asking local authorities throughout Scotland to think about how they can prepare to exploit the benefits that a winning bid will bring."
Councillor Purcell said:
"Hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would help to transform Scotland, providing inspiration for us all in terms of sport, health and what we can achieve as a country.
"To win this, we need everyone in the country to get behind Glasgow's bid. Doing so will bring benefits to all of Scotland, including creating new jobs."
Louise Martin CBE, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, said:
"I firmly believe that the 2014 Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity for the whole of Scotland.
"As well as providing a clear focus for our up and coming young athletes, there would be opportunities for a wide range of public agencies and private sector businesses to get involved in showcasing Scotland to the world.
"It will create a lasting legacy with of a strong culture of sport and physical activity for future generations.
"I am delighted that the Minister is bringing all the local authorities together at this early stage to ensure we all maximise the potential opportunities."
The Commonwealth Games Federation will announce the name of the successful host city in Sri Lanka in October 2007.