Scottish Rugby this afternoon welcomed the decision to award the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

The decision was announced in Colombo, Sri Lanka during the Commonwealth Games Federation’s General Assembly.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Gordon McKie said: “Our congratulations to everyone involved in bringing the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Scotland. Now the hard work really begins to ensure that as a country we deliver a Games to remember.

“The opportunity this decision affords everyone involved in sport in Scotland is huge. The Commonwealth Games probably ranks only behind the Olympics in terms of scale for a global multi-sport event and it’s important that the excitement the Games will generate is used to capture the imagination of the population, increasing participation and having a positive impact on long-term health.

“Rugby 7s will be one of the showpiece events of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Scottish Rugby looks forward to working with Glasgow 2014 to put our sport, the city of Glasgow and our country on the international map.”

Scotland 7s coach Stephen Gemmell said: “First and foremost it’s great for Glasgow and Scotland. Every athlete is keen to perform on the international stage in their own back yard and come 2014 that wish will be fulfilled for some talented young Scots.

“In respect of rugby we had the experience last year of hosting the IRB 7s at Murrayfield and that Emirates tournament will be staged in Scotland for at least another four years. Sevens is a great spectator sport and I’m sure the people of Glasgow will come out in force to support all the international teams competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Scotland A and Edinburgh centre Nick De Luca was part of the Scotland 7s squad at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

He said: “Taking part in the Commonwealth Games is a life-changing experience. Melbourne so got behind the Games and hopefully that infectiousness will be the same in Glasgow and get us as a country a bit more switched on to sport and a bit more active.”

Peter McEwan, club co-ordinator for Glasgow East, a rugby club for youngsters set up in the east end of city – where many of the Games venues will be constructed – was also upbeat. He said: “Even just the bidding process helped in the setting up of the club. Our club allows kids within the area the opportunity to get involved with rugby.

“Before, there was no such chance for kids here. Now the sport’s growing with 30 to 40 kids involved. All of them are really excited that Glasgow has been chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“The announcement we’re hosting the Games will give sport in general a massive boost as well as the local community. The support for the games will be huge.

“I’m sure that kids will be encouraged and excited to play sports now they know a major event is on the way. The support we are continually receiving from Scottish Rugby and the Commonwealth bid team is fantastic and we all hope it will lead to more active and healthy kids.”

This article was posted on 9-Nov-2007, 12:53 by Hugh Barrow.