Nov 10: Finally it is the Scottish city Glasgow that won the race to host the 20 th Commonwealth Games schedule to be held in 2014. In a secret ballot voting system, the members of 71 Commonwealth Games Federation cast their votes and finally when the result was announced in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka; it was Glasgow, which surpassed Nigerian capital Abuja by 23 votes.
Glasgow obtained a total of 47 votes against Abuja's 24 in its annual assembly in Sri Lanka on Friday. Representatives from all the member nations participated in the five-day long talk and presentation event before casting their choice. President Mike Fennell announced the final result.
In fact as per the official report of the federation Glasgow has come up with better pre-event preparation that needs an estimated $300 million in cost and it was a clear-cut government’s eagerness that agreed to bear 70 per cent participation. This further shows eagerness of the nation to stage such a mega event, which not only enhance sporting interest among the people but will also open-up a huge amount of business opportunities in terms of travel and tourism.
Federation President Fennell said, “ Glasgow understands the requirements of event with its excellent preparation and presentation and hence its bid was well prepared”.
Nigeria did also have support from several multinational companies and its government as Nigerian delegates were led by the former head of state Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan. They did their best to convince all the member countries about the financial aid from government and also the non-issue of the Delta region. But in the end it was Glasgow, which obtained the opportunity to be the host.
The technical review committee of Commonwealth Games had also given a strong sign for the city’s preference. It will be for the first time that the largest city of Scotland is going to mass sporting enthusiasts in this high-profile event though the capital Edinburgh had already host the same twice earlier in 1970 and 1986. It is also to mention that Scotland is also one of the six countries which have participated in every commonwealth Games apart from Australia, Canada, Wales, England and New Zealand. Hence the importance and the pleasure of hosting the event is very well marked.
There were only two cities left after the Canadian city of Halifax withdrew from the run on March 08 earlier this year after the government expressed its concern in affording such a huge amount.
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