As host nation for the 20th Commonwealth Games in 2014 Scotland is organising an international sporting event which will see 71 nations compete in 17 sports over 11 days in one city – Glasgow!
This is going to take a lot of work. Venues will need to be built for events, an athlete's village will need to be built for everyone taking part and work needs to be done to get Glasgow ready for all the tourists and spectators who are going to visit us from all over the world.
It's not just stadiums, villages and velodromes that are being made though - as host nation Scotland can use the Commonwealth Games to build a lasting legacy for everyone in the country.
What is the Legacy?
The Legacy is the lasting benefits that the Commonwealth Games will leave for Scotland when they finish in August 2014. Scotland will be more active, connected, flourishing and sustainable which means that Scotland's public will have:
- more involvement in sports and other positive physical activities - improving the health of the whole nation.
- more awareness of Scotland's position in the world as well as more opportunities to become involved in cultural links and exchanges with communities all over the world.
- more opportunities to work and do business - Scotland will be recognised as a great place to live, work and study.
- a 'greener' environment - Scotland will be an example for every other nation to follow in sustainable energy and other environmental projects.
What does that mean for me?
It means that there will be lots happening in Scotland!
Over the next few years there is going to be loads of opportunities to get involved in lots of exciting activities. There will be:
- chances to get involved in projects that improve the environment - in your local area and all over the country!
- encouragement to increase the amount of sport and exercise that people are involved in. So whether you're already pretty active or don't do anything there will be lots of support to get involved in one, or more than one, sport or physical activity.
- cultural learning activities and international exchanges. You can celebrate our own heritage and learn about different cultures and communities from Scotland and all over the world. You can meet some of the people coming to Scotland from overseas and you might even get the chance to visit another country as part of an exchange.
- more opportunities to study and work. With so much happening here international companies and organisations are going to recognise that there are lots of great benefits to be gained from being in Scotland. This is great news as it will create more jobs and might even encourage young people in Scotland to set up their own businesses one day!
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