On Tuesday 23 July 2024, we celebrate 10 years since the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. As someone who got to take part in the closing ceremony 10 days later the anniversary brings back lots of happy memories.
As a proud son of Glasgow, it’s hard to imagine it’s been 10 years since that glorious summer when Glasgow showed the world it could successfully host a mega sporting and cultural event in an inclusive and friendly way. It’s been 10 years since I got to dance and sing with Kylie Minogue and hundreds of other volunteers from across Scotland and the UK at the closing ceremony of the games. I still remember it like it was yesterday and it remains one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Glasgow 2014 is one of a number of transformative events that have taken place in the city over the last 40 years. This city understands the power of events to unite, feel pride and renew. It has an impressive track record in hosting multinational and local events.
Spirit of 2012 and the University of the West of Scotland recently commissioned polling on people’s memories of Glasgow 2014. It was pleasing to hear people had positive and fond memories of Glasgow 2014 and its benefits. 75% of Scots thought the games increased national pride. The polling showed that for many people in Scotland Glasgow 2014 met its events legacy expectations. Around 70% thought the games generated a lasting impact for Glasgow. You can hear about what Scottish people think of Glasgow 2014 here.
In 2015, Spirit began working with the Scottish Government to take forward their sporting legacy ambitions for Glasgow 2014. Together, we have been helping people in Scotland become more active and happier. We supported over 30,000 people on their active journey. 80% of people who took part in the Get Out Get Active programme reported improved mental wellbeing. You can read about the story and impact of our Glasgow 2014 sporting legacy work here.
In early June of this year, we brought over 150 people from the sport and events sectors to Easterhouse to learn about the power of sport to positively change lives and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and learn about its legacy. We brought the great and good of sport and events to Glasgow to showcase the power of sport and the power of events in a local sports centre in the east end of Glasgow.
Glasgow 2014 was firmly on our minds as people exchanged their Commonwealth Games stories. I remember the city buzzing in the sun when the teams from across the Commonwealth arrived. I remember skipping the queue at the opening ceremony dress rehearsal so I could be in the group of people pretending to be Team Scotland during the flag parade. I remember meeting lots of other ceremonies volunteers including my dance partner Patrick who is still a good friend to this day. I remember rehearsing for 10 hours a day for 3 weeks, and missing lots of the sport. I remember meeting Kylie and dancing ceilidh style to her hits.
Ten years ago, for 10 days, Glasgow got to showcase itself to the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, culture and volunteering. And I got to be part of it. In a small but lovely way.
And the story of Glasgow 2014 goes on. I got to live in one of the new houses built for the athletes’ village. Home to Team Norfolk Islands. The Village as it is known locally is an enduring legacy of the games along with the many transformations across the east end of the city.
There have been many events in Glasgow since 2014. But the 2014 Commonwealth Games and its cultural programme stand out and will be forever etched in the memories of the people of Glasgow. It made us proud then and makes us proud now 10 years on.