EXCITEMENT about the Commonwealth Games next summer is mounting, according to a new report.

Last April, members of the Games Federation visited Glasgow to check on how work had progressed over the previous six months.

They found people of all ages want to be part of what will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland.

And their report states Glasgow 2014 is successfully moving from planning for the Games to the next phase of delivering the event.

During the past six months, the launch of the hunt for volunteers resulted in almost 51,000 applicants with 38% from people aged between 16 and 25.

In March, the international route of the Queen's Baton Relay was announced taking the Queen's message to the Commonwealth through all 71 competing nations.

Glasgow 2014's commercial programme continued to develop with new sponsors coming on board, broadcasting rights being sold and the official online shop opening for business.

Games Federation members also saw how the city's skyline has been transformed with the appearance of venues ready for action.

The Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome have been visited by 150,000 people and have already successfully hosted several international events.

Tollcross International Swimming Centre opened last weekend with more than 6000 people through the doors.

Six new permanent squash courts have been created at Scotstoun Sports Campus and Cathkin Braes mountain bike trails and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre are already in use.

Work is under way at Glasgow National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green, which will be the headquarters of Scottish Hockey and used by schools and clubs.

The 12,000 seat Hydro arena at the SECC, where the gymnastics will be held, is nearing completion with rocker Rod Stewart taking the stage in September for the first concert.

Improvements to the north and west stands of Hampden Stadium are complete and in November work will begin transforming it into an international standard athletic track.

Rows of seating will be removed and the playing surface raised by more than 6ft resulting in the venue being closed for almost a year. And work is progressing on a new pavilion at Queen's Park Football Club, which will provide office and changing facilities.

One of the next major steps will happen in August when one million tickets go on sale for the 17 sports over 11 days of competition with two thirds of tickets costing £25 or less.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg, left, said: "Over the past six months we have continued our progress toward delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow during 2014, now passing both the 600 and 500 days to go milestones.

"Our official mascot Clyde continued to inspire young people from all over Scotland as he toured the country to visit schools as part of the Game on Scotland programme."

Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "The last six months have seen excellent progress in delivering a spectacular Commonwealth Games with almost 51,000 potential volunteers wanting to be part of the Games."

Archie Graham, the city council's Games spokesman, said: "There has been tremendous progress made by the Games partners this year as we look to move from the planning stage to getting ready to deliver the most spectacular event Glasgow and Scotland has ever seen."

Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: "It has been an exciting six months for everyone involved with Glasgow 2014 and plans for Team Scotland's participation in the Games are going well with all key staff appointments now well under way."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk

EXCITEMENT about the Commonwealth Games next summer is mounting, according to a new report.

Last April, members of the Games Federation visited Glasgow to check on how work had progressed over the previous six months.

They found people of all ages want to be part of what will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland.

And their report states Glasgow 2014 is successfully moving from planning for the Games to the next phase of delivering the event.

During the past six months, the launch of the hunt for volunteers resulted in almost 51,000 applicants with 38% from people aged between 16 and 25.

In March, the international route of the Queen's Baton Relay was announced taking the Queen's message to the Commonwealth through all 71 competing nations.

Glasgow 2014's commercial programme continued to develop with new sponsors coming on board, broadcasting rights being sold and the official online shop opening for business.

Games Federation members also saw how the city's skyline has been transformed with the appearance of venues ready for action.

The Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome have been visited by 150,000 people and have already successfully hosted several international events.

Tollcross International Swimming Centre opened last weekend with more than 6000 people through the doors.

Six new permanent squash courts have been created at Scotstoun Sports Campus and Cathkin Braes mountain bike trails and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre are already in use.

Work is under way at Glasgow National Hockey Centre at Glasgow Green, which will be the headquarters of Scottish Hockey and used by schools and clubs.

The 12,000 seat Hydro arena at the SECC is nearing completion with rocker Rod Stewart taking the stage in September for the first concert.

Improvements to the north and west stands of Hampden Stadium are complete and in November work will begin transforming it into an international standard athletic track.

Rows of seating will be removed and the playing surface raised by more than 6ft resulting in the venue being closed for almost a year. And work is progressing on a new pavilion at Queen's Park Football Club, which will provide office and changing facilities.

One of the next major steps will happen in August when one million tickets go on sale for the 17 sports over 11 days of competition with two thirds of tickets costing £25 or less.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: "Over the past six months we have continued our progress toward delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow during 2014, now passing both the 600 and 500 days to go milestones.

"Our official mascot Clyde continued to inspire young people from all over Scotland as he toured the country to visit schools as part of the Game on Scotland programme."

Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "The last six months have seen excellent progress in delivering a spectacular Commonwealth Games with almost 51,000 potential volunteers wanting to be part of the Games."

Archie Graham, the city council's Games spokesman, said: "There has been tremendous progress made by the Games partners this year as we look to move from the planning stage to getting ready to deliver the most spectacular event Glasgow and Scotland has ever seen."

Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: "It has been an exciting six months for everyone involved with Glasgow 2014 and plans for Team Scotland's participation in the Games are going well with all key staff appointments now well under way."

EAST End residents believe the Games will have a positive impact on the area.

More than 1000 people from Bridgeton, Calton, Camlachie, Dalmarnock, Gallowgate and Parkhead were asked what they thought about the investment in new sports facilities, housing and improved infrastructure.

The survey found 81% think the Games will have a positive impact in their area, 76% support hosting the event and 44% thought their neighbourhood had improved in the last three years.

But 75% say their local environment is untidy, suffering problems of rubbish and litter.

And residents living in the East End feel less safe walking home at night than people elsewhere in the city.

The survey is part of a five-year programme to measure the success of the Scottish Government's legacy programme from the Games.

Ade Kearns, professor of urban studies at Glasgow University and principal investigator for the study, said: "The survey findings show parts of the East End are already changing and that residents are aware of these improvements."