Glasgow University is set to back Scotland's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014. By 'backing the bid' the University is supporting the campaign to host the biggest sporting event ever in Scotland.

Scotland is facing tough competition to host the Games, including bids from Canada and Nigeria. The Commonwealth Games Federation will announce the successful candidate in Sri Lanka in November 2007. Scotland's first opportunity to impress the Commonwealth countries is at the Melbourne Games next month.

To mark the University's official backing of the bid, a photo opportunity has been organised on today at 3.15pm. Attending will be two of the University's great sporting champions: Olympic finalist and commonwealth swimming champion, Rebecca Cooke, and hockey star David Mansouri, both current students of the University. Also in attendance will be several students from different commonwealth countries, and Principal of the University Sir Muir Russell.

Over the past ten years there has been a significant drive throughout the UK to produce the best athletes, capable of success on the world stage. This has led to a rise in the number of talented young people combining studies with athletic performance. Glasgow University offers a supportive structure for students in this position, bucking the national trend of young people aged 17-24 who drop out of participating in sport.

Principal of the University of Glasgow, Sir Muir Russell said:

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the University and the city of Glasgow. We have a huge commitment to increasing participation in sport and physical activity. Bringing the Games to Glasgow will inspire young people to take up sport, improve our national health and instill a sense of pride and confidence in Scotland."

"We run one of the largest student sport and activity programmes of all UK universities. We have a staggering student membership of 11, 000 with over 2,000 students using the sports facilities on a daily basis. 60% of the University's outdoor facilities, at the Garscube Sports Complex, are used by the local community, demonstrating how we contribute to the health and well-being of Glasgow."

Derek Casey, Glasgow 2014 Bid Director said:

"I am absolutely delighted that Glasgow University has thrown its weight behind Scotland's Bid for the Commonwealth Games. Their world wide reputation for excellence and their links across the Commonwealth will be invaluable when it comes to influencing the people who will make the final decision on the host city. "Winning the Games for Glasgow would inspire thousands of young people to take up sport. I hope that more of Scotland's schools, universities and colleges will follow Glasgow's lead and get behind the bid."

Student Subhash Verma comments:

'The University of Glasgow has an excellent world-wide research reputation particularly in biomedicine, contributing tremendously to Glasgow and supporting a healthy modern Scotland. The University's decision to back the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will add much needed support to this worthy sporting event."

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First published: 22 February 2006