Excitement Mounts for Commonwealth Games

The people of Glasgow are gearing up for an exciting summer of sport, as the 2014Commonwealth Games comes to town.  The event, which takes place from 23rd July to 3rd August, will feature athletes from all over the world competing in 17 different sports.

Now on its twentieth event, the Commonwealth Games includes athletes from 71 Commonwealth teams competing for 261 medals.

Largest Para-Sport Programme Ever

This years event will see the largest Para-Sport programme ever, with 22 medals up for grabs over five different sports; athletics, cycling, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting.  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has expressed its support towards the event and praised organisers for their commitment towards accessibility and diversity throughout the games.

Chief Executive of the IPC, Xavier Gonzalez, comments: “Events such as this help build momentum, particularly in Great Britain following last year’s successful Paralympic Games. We believe this can be the best ever Commonwealth Games.”

Increased Accessibility

Following on from the success of the London 2012 Paralympics, the Glasgow committee has worked hard to ensure an exciting para-sports programme.  There’s also been plenty of emphasis on ensuring that venues and transport in the city are not only ready for the influx of visitors but are accessible for everyone attending.

David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, says: “We are incredibly excited and proud that Glasgow 2014 will feature the largest Para-Sport programme in Commonwealth Games history.”

The Games kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, 23rd July.  Held at Celtic Park, than 3,000 performers are set to entertain more than 40,000 spectators and a TV audience of almost a billion people.