The time for three strikes has come in Glasgow, Scotland, for the 20th Commonwealth Games. The event begins this Wednesday, July 23. It is scheduled to last 12 days and end on Sunday August 3. No less than 4500 athletes, from 71 countries or territories, will compete in 17 disciplines, under the eyes of Queen Elizabeth II. She will kick off the festivities at Celtic Park during the opening ceremony.
Stars announced: cyclist Bradley Wiggins and athlete Mo Farah on the English side, Jamaican Usain Bolt and Kenyan David Rudisha among the former “settlers” of the British Empire. The Scottish capital expects 100.000 visitors. And she hopes that the question of the referendum on the independence of the country, scheduled for September 18, will not come too visibly to invite itself to the party.
For Scotland, these Commonwealth Games could mark the start of a more aggressive era in hosting international sporting events. Alex Salmond, the Prime Minister, announced it on the eve of the opening: Scotland wants more. And, if possible, quickly.
His failure in the race for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, where the IOC preferred Buenos Aires, did not dampen his ambitions. “Glasgow 2014 will show that Scotland can successfully host major international sporting events,” explained Alex Salmond. We financed these Commonwealth Games with our own resources. With independence, our commitment to sport will be even stronger. »
Scotland is due to host the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this year. “We will now apply for any event that seems within our reach and that can bring something to Scotland.” , suggests the Prime Minister.
The 20th Commonwealth Games cost Scotland around €730 million, but the politician does not regret the expense. “They have already created jobs for thousands of young people across the country,” he says. The budget was kept. According to the Prime Minister, the event is already a success, even before it begins.
