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On your mark Glas-G
Will the Commonwealth Legacy ha We at The Buzz! investigate... Often described as the ‘Sick Man’ of Europe, Glasgow’s reputation has never been one of fitness and good health. Glasgow’s mortality rates are infamously the highest in Britain. In 2012, the life expectancy of the average male in Glasgow was the lowest in the UK at only 71 years old. What better opportunity is there for Glasgow and Glaswegians to change these disturbing figures than the Commonwealth Games in 2014? Back in 2007, when the Commonwealth Federation plucked for Glasgow over the Nigerian capital of Abuja, a fantastic opportunity to maximise the amount of public participation in these games arose. Yes Glasgow was used in the 2012 London Olympics, but this is our city’s chance to host our own games and to create our own legacy. But what is important about legacy? If the Commonwealth Games can be remembered for reinvigorating a seemingly uninterested generation back into sport then, that will do more for the city’s reputation than being remembered for just putting on a spectacular show. The Legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be vital in shap-
ing a new Glasgow, with new residents who understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. In 2007, the then leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell emphasised the importance of the games to Glasgow: “ It’s about making sure there is a lasting legacy. A legacy for the people of the east end of the city who will benefit from first class housing, retail and leisure developments in a city that’s been crying out for that kind of change.” Steven Purcell’s comments supported a growing voice of opinion that the Commonwealth Games, is not just about the glamour of international athletic stars coming to Glasgow, but that these games could actually have a positive effect on the people of Glasgow. If the 2014 Commonwealth Games is to have a positive effect on the ordinary Glaswegian, then it is vital to not only to help those who have fell away from exercise to buy back into positive living, but to ensure the younger generation don’t make
the same mistakes that many of their parents have. How can these children be lead towards healthy living? It’s easy, education, education, education. If projects like Active Schools, a volunteer based organisation that work tirelessly to provide higher quality opportunities for young children to participate in exercise before, during and after school, are given more financial backing, then surely children can’t