50 Days To Go Until Glasgow 2014

3 June 2014, 05:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

With 50 days to go, Glasgow is on track to deliver the "best Commonwealth Games in history'', the sport secretary has said.

Shona Robison MSP said it will be a "truly spectacular'' event which has already had a positive economic impact.

Preparations for the Games, which run from July 23 until August 3, are on time and on budget - with evidence of its Legacy programme already showing benefits across Scotland's communities, organisers said.

There has been significant regeneration and investment in Glasgow, and the city's East End in particular, with new venues including the Emirates Arena - which is home to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome - the SSE Hydro, the development of the Athletes' Village, and the refurbishment and extension of the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Earlier this year, Glasgow was named as the eighth best sporting city in the world - climbing the ranks from ninth in 2012, and eleventh in 2010 - as people engage in sports and become more active.

Ms Robison, Commonwealth Games and Sport Secretary, said: "As we celebrate 50 days to go until the start of the XX Commonwealth Games, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight just how ready we are to deliver a truly spectacular event.

"We are on track to deliver the best Commonwealth Games in history. This is the biggest sporting and cultural event Scotland has ever hosted and all organising partners have been working tirelessly over the past seven years to get us to this stage.

"The economic impact of the Games is already being felt as new sporting venues and homes have been built, jobs have been created, and more young people are working in modern apprenticeship schemes that will provide them with essential skills for their working lives.

"We are also seeing people across the country become more active as the Games inspire more people to get involved in sport and physical activity.

"While we wish our athletes every success, the Games is much more than medals - it's a catalyst for regeneration, innovation and for sustainable economic growth. With only 50 days to go to the opening ceremony, I'm delighted to say that Scotland is ready to welcome the world for the greatest Games ever.''

Organisers said that young people across the country are benefiting from the Games, with modern apprenticeships up by almost 9,000 at 35,582 in 2013/14 compared to 26,614 in 2008/09.