Hosting major sporting events, such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympics or World Cup, can help boost a city's economy and global image according to a report released by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.

The report, Sporting events building local communities, released at a reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, the Rt Hon Sadie Docherty at the City Chambers on 16 July in Glasgow.

The events demonstrate direct social and economic benefits including increased local capacity, better infrastructure, improved economic relations, export sales and foreign awareness of local business opportunities and future tourism opportunities in addition to promotion of the city host as a ‘can do’ place.

CLGF Secretary-General Carl Wright, who launched the report, said “International events foster collaboration between the public and private sector and boost tourism, improve infrastructure and leave a significant legacy to the local communities. This is true in both the more developed economies such as Scotland and emerging economies such as India and South Africa.

“Spending on sporting and other events can sometimes be controversial, especially in developing countries, but our research shows that hosting such events can help cities take a leap forward in their development and bring social and economic benefits to the whole community as well as promoting a more positive image of the place.”

The CLGF pre-Games reception hosted by the Rt Hon The Lord Provost Councillor Sadie Docherty and Glasgow City Council on 16 July 2014 is part of the various activities being organised by CLGF and its members to celebrate 2014 Year of Developmental Local Government, as agreed in the CLGF Kampala conference outcomes which have been endorsed by the Commonwealth Heads of Governments in Colombo in November 2013.

Read full report