Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce

With just 1,000 Days To Go until the Opening Ceremony for Glasgow 2014, the latest Games Partners' Progress Report confirms this major sporting event is "on track and on budget".

The report illustrates that good progress is being made across all areas and that with a little under Three Years Go, Scotland is already reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting the Games.

This report follows the recent visit by the Commonwealth Games Federation's Coordination Commission which was satisfied with the strong partnership approach taken by the Organising Committee and Games Partners that is delivering across all elements of the Games. The Commission also believed there was a "clear focus on generating value and legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland".

Scotland's economy has already gained from the Games, with almost 80% of current contracts being awarded to Scottish companies across a wide range of industries. Companies from all over Scotland are currently engaged with Glasgow 2014, delivering products and services essential to making the Games a success.

However, while Glasgow 2014 is pleased with the progress that has been made to date, there is an eagerness to maintain the momentum on the pathway towards delivering an outstanding Games.

The report - which is available from Thursday in full on http://www.glasgow2014.com/games_gallery/documents_library/most_recent.aspx - includes detail on the following progress:

Venues and infrastructure: Work has been progressing at key venues and locations including the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village, where work on accommodation and facilities  for 6,500 athletes and officials got underway in June;  the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, which is now 63% complete and where work has begun on the terraced seating;  Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which saw construction work get underway in June; the Scottish National Arena is taking shape; and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre which, since August, has five new international standard lawns - the first of the venue development projects to be completed. Two major transport infrastructure projects - M74 extension and M80 upgrade - have been completed, improving access for spectators.

Commercial and Economy: Glasgow 2014 has appointed the BBC as Domestic Broadcast Rights Holder and signed three sponsorship agreements with Harper Macleod, Search Consultancy and Ernst & Young. The economy is also benefitting, with 105 of the 134 current contracts having been awarded to Scottish companies.

Community: Thousands of budding sportspeople at the Merchant City Festival accepted the "Three Years To Go" sporting challenge offered by Glasgow 2014. This saw them participate in events inspired by the 17 sports of Glasgow 2014. This was Glasgow's event in the Games for Scotland programme - a host of events that got underway on 23^rd July, marking three years to go, and will end on 27^th October, marking 1,000 Days To Go.  In addition to this, Glasgow 2014 attended the West End Festival and the Lord Provost's parade, as well as the Riding of the Scottish Parliament.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said:

"This report highlights the commitment by all at Glasgow 2014 and our Games Partners to deliver - on time and on budget - an outstanding and memorable Games for Glasgow and Scotland.

"Whilst we are confident with the work and planning done so far, no one at Glasgow 2014 is complacent about the task ahead as we enter the important detailed planning phase which will allow us to host a sporting event that will showcase Scotland at its very best on a global stage."

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison said:

"Glasgow 2014 is fast approaching and the venues and infrastructure are taking shape. With 1,000 days to go I'm pleased this latest progress report shows the Games remain on time, on budget and will provide a showcase for Scotland at its best.

"Now, more than ever, the Scottish Government is determined that the Games will provide a lasting legacy that is relevant to all Scots. Already across Scotland people are getting involved and feeling the excitement that the Games will bring but today we have launched our Games Legacy website, a one-stop shop for the public to access information on the range of legacy activity happening in their local community."

Glasgow City Council Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Archie Graham said:

"1,000 Days To Go marks another phase in the countdown to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.  It is also a reminder of how quickly time has passed since we were awarded the Games.  In that period, we have made tremendous progress in preparing venues and infrastructure that will allow us to host a fantastic event.  Much work remains to be done, but we are confident that the Games will be a great success and will leave a fantastic legacy for Glasgow and Scotland."

Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Michael Cavanagh said:

"We are heartened by the strong progress made in planning to deliver a truly memorable Games. A key part of any successful Games is a successful home team performance and we are pleased to report that Team Scotland is well advanced in our planning to deliver on our potential in Glasgow and beyond"

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said:

"The Commonwealth Games Federation's Coordination Commission findings are a ringing endorsement for the Organising Committee as it continues to deliver what promises to be a spectacular Commonwealth Games. With just 1,000 Days To Go, the Games really are a prospect which everyone can look forward to. It's great to see that good progress is being made by the Organising Committee and we look forward to working with Glasgow 2014 to ensure that communities across Scotland have the opportunity to get involved in what promises to be a fantastic event for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth."