By Paul Osborne

Glasgow has benefitted from around £200 million worth of Commonwealth Games-related contracts ©Getty ImagesGlasgow is already feeling the benefits of hosting next month's Commonwealth Games, it is claimed, with more than half of the £401 million ($681 million/€499 million) contracts landed by firms in the city, according to a new report.

Glasgow City Council revealed the Commonwealth Games-related contract figure today in its final update before the Games are due to get underway on July 23.

These contracts were awarded to firms and organisations for projects such as the construction of the athletics track at Hampden Park, venue and Athletes' Village catering, temporary energy and tents.

"Our preparations for the Games have resulted in not only this massive economic legacy, but a city that is improved environmentally and socially," said Glasgow City Council Leader Gordon Matheson.

"This report shows that the council's legacy plans for the Games have already delivered real change for Glasgow."

According to the report, Glasgow City Council's Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative has also found apprenticeships for around 3,100 school leavers over the last four-and-a-half years.

This initiative was a key element of the £50 million ($85 million/€62 million) Glasgow Guarantee, which aims to ensure every Glaswegian aged 16 to 24 has access to a job, training or an apprenticeship.

It added that more than 570 graduates have gained employment through the council's Commonwealth Graduate Fund, with an "extremely high retention rate" for those placed.

The Glasgow Job Fund has also helped secure 700 jobs for residents previously unemployed, according to the report.

The Glasgow City Council report found an increase in the number of coaches, volunteers and club members within sport over the past few years ©Getty ImagesThe Glasgow City Council report found an increase in the number of coaches, volunteers and club members within sport over the past few years ©Getty Images



With sports participation always a key element in Games legacies, this latest report by the Council has found that more people are taking part in sport and exercise with an increase in the number of coaches, volunteers and club members across Glasgow.

In schools, the number of volunteer coaches taking pupils for extra sessions has increased from 384 in 2012 to 804 this year, leading to 30,000 after-school activity classes.

In sports clubs affiliated to Glasgow Life, there has been an increase of almost 2,000 coaches and 12,000 members over the last four years.

As well as installing electrical car charging points at all new or refurbished council venues to be used during the Games, the report also indicates that almost 300 community projects and organisations in the city have been granted legacy status, giving them the right to use the council's Glasgow 2014 legacy logo.

With an expected television audience of more than one billion for the Games, the council said it hopes the city will gain a greater international profile.

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