23 April 2008
Coe calls for Commonwealth legacy
London Olympics chief, Lord Sebastian Coe, has paid tribute to Glasgow after its success in securing the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Lord Coe, who is chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said he was confident that the organisers of both the 2012 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games were thinking beyond the sporting events to their lasting legacies, in areas including transport.
In a special "60-second Interview" for SPT Express – our quarterly newsletter for politicians and key stakeholders – Lord Coe said: "The London 2012 team and I were watching the voting on television and we were all delighted when Glasgow won the bid. It also brought back a few memories for those of us who were involved in our bid!
"When judges evaluate the candidate cities, they always look in great detail at every aspect of the bid so it's a real credit to Glasgow that they won it so convincingly."
On the question of a lasting legacy, Lord Coe said: "Yes we want to host a Games that will genuinely inspire young people in the UK (and beyond) to take up sport and be active, but we also want to host a Games that will be the catalyst for change in a deprived area of London.
"At every stage of our planning, we think about the legacy of London 2012.
"Skills, jobs, housing, a huge new urban park and fantastic sporting facilities that can be used by elite sport and by the local community. We want to host a spectacular – but sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games."
The former sporting star said transport was an important factor in planning for both games.
He said: "Public transport is at the core of the transport strategy we are putting in place. We have an aim of ensuring all ticketed spectators travel to competition venues by public transport, on foot or by cycling.
'Ambitious targets'
"We know this will be a challenge but with investment plans in place to enable greater capacity on the Underground, and improved services on the Docklands Light Railway, we are very confident it can be done.
"I know that Glasgow's plans include ambitious targets to ensure spectators and visitors use public transport. With the incentive of free public transport for anyone who has a ticket for that day’s games, the Glasgow organising team already seems to have great ideas in place.
"If new transport infrastructure is going to be built, then again I think the legacy factor is important and should be considered right from planning stage."
Lord Coe said that during his travels across the UK he has experienced a growing level of excitement over the 2012 and 2014 Games and the opportunities they present.
In a special message to young Scots aspiring to sporting success, he said: "Go for it! To put it simply, sport can change your life. Sport can teach you to challenge yourself and reach your personal goals. And along the way, who knows? Maybe we can find the next generation of sporting superstars!"
Click here to access the first edition of SPT Express (opens a new window).