While there have been many eyebrows raised across the Atlantic Ocean as to the relevance of a major sporting event that does not have the United States of America taking part, as well as a very dismissive attitude towards the Commonwealth Games which came to a close last night. Americans may however want to bask in some of the reflected glory from the Games undoubted success.
The reason being that one of their own was actually in charge of the Games, and will also become the head of the Commonwealth Games Federation, taking over from New Zealander Mike Hooper in November.
Former wrestler Dave Grevemberg, who hails from New Orleans was the man charged with running the Games in Glasgow and he has done an outstanding job by all accounts, along with his staff and the hundreds of volunteers.
In his closing statement the Chief Executive of the Glasgow games acknowledged the Athletes before reflecting on the fact that over £300 million had been invested in new and improved sports and Games-related facilities since 2009, and that these venues will be a lasting legacy for athletes, coaches, governing bodies, young people and local communities.
Grevemberg also reflected on the economic impact the hosting of the Games had in Glasgow during difficult economic times, “Alongside our sporting venues, we have one special area that the 6,500 athletes and team officials have called home during the Games. The Athletes’ Village will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow with 300 homes available for private sale and 400 affordable houses for rental.” He said.
“The economic impact of the Games has been felt with over £300 million ($504 million/€376 million) worth of Commonwealth Games contracts awarded to the businesses who have provided essential works, goods and services. It is estimated 30,000 contractors have worked in the city and across venues during the Games and Glasgow City Council’s ambitious Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative has found Modern Apprenticeship places for more than 2,900 Glasgow school leavers over the past four years.”
He will now oversee future games having apparently beaten three British applicants for the the head job at the Federation. Hopefully he will ensure that all host cities enjoy such a lasting legacy, and who knows maybe he can influence his fellow countrymen to pay a little more attention to the Games in the Gold Coast in 2018.
