Making A Splash: Were the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Successful in Increasing Swimming Participation in the Greater Glasgow Area?

Abstract

The notion of legacy is intrinsically linked with mega sporting events and has become a vital aspect of the bidding and hosting process for cities. Where once the prestige of hosting such events was the main positive of hosting a plethora of interlinked and holistic benefits now sit alongside the process. Events legacy can refer to economic, social, and physical aspects left in the long term in host cities. This study will investigate the sporting legacy of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 with focus on the impact of the games on swimming club participation in the Greater Glasgow area. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 pre-games legacy statement to “increase participation in sport and physical activity and contribute towards improving health and wellbeing of Glaswegians” (Glasgow City Council 2011, pp.13) indicated the legacy goals for the games. By using semi-structured interviews this study aims to understand the legacy implications of the games and its impact on those who experienced the games. By interviewing members of the swimming community from the Greater Glasgow area this study aims to understand the phenomenological impact of the games as experienced by these members of the coaching community and compare this to existing literature on the subject.