A TOP-level sporting body has claimed Glasgow will stage the best ever Commonwealth Games.

Senior figures from the International Paralympic Committee visited the city to check out preparations for next year's sporting extravaganza.

Glasgow 2014's paralympic sport programme will be the largest in Commonwealth Games history, with the highest ever number of medal events across the most ever sports.

Xavier Gonzales, chief executive of the International Paralympic Committee, said: "I was very impressed with what I saw in Glasgow.

"Not only do the venues look really good theatres for sport, but the city is also moving forward in improvements in accessibility and transport.

"Events such as this help build momentum, especially so here in Great Britain following last year's Paralympic Games.

"We believe this can be the best ever Commonwealth Games.

"Glasgow is a sport-mad city and all Scots are passionate about their elite sport.

"I am sure, just like London, that people from all over the Commonwealth will turn out in force to support their athletes taking part in the five para-sports here."

The party toured the Athletes' Village during their two day stay and held high level briefings with Games officials on subjects including transport planning and venue accessibility.

Beyond the Commonwealth Games, the city will be hosting the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships, which will have the same accessibility requirements in terms of transport and security.

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, said: "On the back of the success of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it is an absolute pleasure to partner with the International Paralympic Committee on another inspiring and exciting global para-sport opportunity.

"We are incredibly excited and proud that Glasgow 2014 will feature the largest para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history."

There will be 22 para-sport medal events at Glasgow 2014, including the first appearance of para-cycling in a Games programme.

The other para-sports are athletics, powerlifting, swimming and lawn bowls.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk