14 things I’m loving about Glasgow 2014
I had been looking forward to the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow for a long time – but I had no idea just how fantastic it would be. Here are a few of the things that I am most enjoying about living in the host city during Glasgow 2014.
Outdoors family Commonwelfie!
Families enjoying quality time together. It is wonderful to see so many family groups walking, cycling and travelling to the sporting events and also enjoying the sports spectating together. I have loved having an excuse to get together with my daughter, enjoying something together.
People walking, cycling and using public transport instead of automatically getting into their cars. The city and suburb streets are filled with people using their legs to arrive at event venues, rather than driving.
An Opening Ceremony that encouraged all visitors to Bring it On Glasgow styley.
Glasgow’s friendly welcome. Many people have heard about the amazing welcome of the Weegies but this Games has truly showcased this for the Commonwealth nations to experience.
The brilliant and friendly volunteers.
Volunteering with pride. Thousands of people have given up their time to make the Games a huge success. I have watched in wonder at the numbers and dedication of volunteers. It’s amazing stuff.
Men’s 5000m.
Cheering on the winners and the losers. To be honest, if you make it to the Games you are not a loser, simply not as fast as the winners. The spectators have got behind every single competitor, whether they come home first, fifth or last. I witnessed this generosity of spirit at the men’s 5000m final at Hampden Park yesterday. Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku of Kenya was cheered on to this gold medal in the 5000m at Hampden in a time of 13:12.07. Yet, Rosefelo Siosi of the Solomon Islands, who still had two or three laps to run after Caleb finished, was also given huge support and cheers from the spectators as he ran to a last place in 16.55.
Marc Austin’s amazing triathlon race with the Brownlee brothers.
The courage and determination of the athletes. From a Home nations perspective I have huge respect for Scots triathlete Marc Austin, Scottish swimmer Ross Murdoch and Welsh gymnast Frankie Jones, among many, many others.
Women’s marathon.
The Weegie Wave. This is a step up from the Mexican Wave and it worked a treat at Hampden yesterday afternoon.
Another Commonwelfie with good friend Ellen… Suddenly she is two steps taller than me!
Plus I love the Commonwelfie (the Games selfie!)
Catching up with friends, who I have simply bumped into while spectating.
Smiling people. The streets are busy and the trains and buses are busier. Spectators are required to queue and wait and queue again. Yet few people complain and mostly the atmosphere is upbeat and happy.
Living in Glasgow. I am from a suburb on the edge of Glasgow where I have lived for nine years. I have been living and working in Glasgow for the best part of 15 years. I am proud to be the host city for the Games and I can sense I am not the only one. I am loving Glasgow’s huge collective sense of pride.
Clean streets. There has obviously been a massive clean up in many areas of Glasgow. Can we keep it this way?
Enjoying some post-event entertainments with friends.
The festivals and parks. There is so much more to do than simply watch sports, including entertainment at Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove Park and the Merchant City. It’s fantastic how alive this city suddenly feels.
Meeting so many people I know while out and about. I am enjoying catching up with so many people that I have not seen for months and even years, as well as friends who I see much more regularly. It’s been a very friendly games for me so far!
#Glasgow2014 #Glasgow2014Athletics