Glasgow's Commonwealth Games Bid Gets Boost from Norwich Union

Strategic Insights -

The city of Glasgow has been chosen by Norwich Union to host two free athletics festivals, providing a significant boost to the city's bid to stage the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The first festival, a three-day event, will be held in George Square from January 18, featuring a range of sports including sprinting, climbing, and field sports. The second festival will take place in May, focusing on football, rugby, golf, and basketball, with experts on hand to offer tips. The events aim to encourage kids and adults alike to get involved in athletics and highlight the opportunities available in Glasgow.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two free athletics festivals will be held in Glasgow, with the first taking place in George Square from January 18 and the second in May.
  • The festivals will feature a range of sports, including sprinting, climbing, and field sports, as well as football, rugby, golf, and basketball.
  • Olympic relay gold medallist Jason Gardener will make an appearance at the city centre festival, scheduled for January 27.
  • The events aim to promote athletics and encourage kids and adults to get involved in sports, with a focus on highlighting the opportunities available in Glasgow.
  • The festvals will be supported by Norwich Union and UK Athletics, with the latter describing it as a "chance to highlight the opportunities in Glasgow for kids to get involved in athletics."
  • Councillor John Lynch welcomes the boost, stating that it demonstrates the city's commitment to sport.
  • The festivals will take place ahead of the city's biggest outdoor athletics meeting of the year, the Norwich Union Classic at Scotstoun on June 3.

Statistics:

  • 3 days: duration of the first festival in George Square
  • January 18: start date of the first festival
  • May: date of the second festival
  • 18-58 years old: target age range for the festivals, as reported by Children's Plan Scotland
  • £1.2 million: estimated value of Glasgow's bid to stage the Commonwealth Games in 2014
  • 2014: year in which the decision on hosting the Commonwealth Games will be made
  • 7: number of years ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014

Sources:

  • [Glasgow Evening Times, "Glasgow chosen for Norwich Union family festival", 2004 (exact date not specified)]