Sports scientists from around the world are expected to inject around £5million into the local economy when they jet into Glasgow ahead of the London Olympics.

The cash boost comes as the SECC prepares to host the International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport for five days in the summer.

Around 3000 delegates will attend the July convention. They represent some of the world's finest scientific minds, experts and policymakers in sport and physical education from across the world.

The convention – previously known as the Pre-Olympic Congress – is jointly organised by the International Olym- pic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Inter-national Federation of Sports Medicine and the Internat- ional Council of Sport Science and Physical Education.

It is seen as a major boost to Glasgow's growing reputation as a top European confer- ence destination and will act a platform for Britain's world-leading sports science, coaching, medicine, education and physical activity work.

Top researchers, students and practitioners from every branch of the world of sport will attend the conferencewhich ends on July 23, the eve of Olympics opening.

Gordon Matheson, city council leader and chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Glasgow is incredibly proud of the role it will play in this year's Olympic Games and a key legacy event of the city's involvement is our hosting of ICSEMIS.

"The theme of this year's convention is Sport: inspiring a learning legacy, which couldn't be more appropriate to Glasgow at this time.

"The fact that Glasgow is able to attract a conference of this pedigree – and some of the world's leading sporting, scientific and medical minds – is testament to the strength of both our meetings industry and our universities, which are highly respected internationally, for their quality research and academic excellence.

"I am delighted to welcome this prestigious conference to Glasgow, which not only has a huge impact on the city's nat- ional and international profile, but also delivers a significant boost to our economy."

Five UK universities – including Strathclyde in Glasgow – formed a consortium to persuade officials to stage the convention in Scotland.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk