VOLUNTEERS and visitors to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have awarded it a gold medal.

Researchers from a wide range of organisations have been measuring the impact of the sporting event on communities and businesses.

They include Strathclyde and Glasgow universities, the city council, Glasgow Centre of Population Health and TNS Consulting, one of the world's largest research organisations.

The studies looked at the impact of the opening and closing ceremonies, the Clydesiders, Queen's Baton relay and Games visitors.

Almost 500 people who volunteered to take part in the ceremonies at the start and end of the Games responded to an online survey to learn about their experiences.

The majority found their involvement to be overwhelmingly positive with 88% satisfied with their role and 97% saying they had been proud to have been a ceremony volunteer.

More than 73% of those who responded said they felt more connected with Glasgow and had more pride in the city with 64% saying they felt more confident as individuals.

A survey of the 50,800 people who volunteered to be Clydesiders resulted in responses from more than 7700 of them.

A massive 89% said they had wanted to volunteer because of the excitement of being involved with the Games and all but a handful felt the event would have a positive impact on Glasgow.

Four out of five were already actively involved in volunteering and quarter of all those who responded had volunteered at the London 2012 Olympics.

Almost a quarter of the 4000 Baton Bearers who took the Queen's Baton around Scotland responded to questions asking how the experience had impacted on them.

Many said they were inspired by the experience to consider doing more in their community and to improve the quality of their lives.

And they said being a Baton Bearer rewarded them personally making them feel more confident and valued.

A report from city council Games spokesman Archie Graham says: "As a group of highly respected ambassadors, the survey suggests the Baton Bearers may become important champions for the long term legacy goals of a more active and healthier population."

Around 690,000 people attended Games sports events, the opening and closing ceremonies and the Festival 2014 events between July 23 and August 3 during which time they spent £282million.

Most went to at least one of the sports competitions or ceremonies and at least one Festival event or activity.

Around two thirds of visitors to the city came on day trips while the remaining 37% were on a longer trip involving an overnight stay.

Just over one fifth of those attending events lived in Glasgow with a similar proportion coming from the wider Clyde Valley area, elsewhere in Scotland or other parts of the UK. Only 4% were from overseas.

While overnight visitors represented just over a third of those attending, they were responsible for three quarters of total spending or around £216m.

Mr Graham says: "The results of the survey show Games visitors had an overwhelmingly positive experience which bodes extremely well for the city with 87% rating Glasgow as a very good place to visit.

"Encouragingly, a separate survey of ticket holders found 86% were likely or very likely, to recommend attendance at future events in Glasgow and Scotland to others."

Since 2009, a massive £196 million has been invested in sports facilities across the city, including those which served as Games venues.

Over this period, the number of people attending Glasgow Life sport facilities has increased from 5.4m to 6.6m.

As part of a GoWell study, Glasgow University carried out an assessment of improvements in physical activity in the East End.

It found there are indications that new and improved sports facilities are benefitting local people.

Local schools have also benefitted as a result of being close to Games venues and cycling is being promoted for younger pupils both in school and in the Velodrome.

The GoWell study also looked at the likely economic impact of the sporting event on the East End.

Mr Graham's report says: "Events are already being booked into Games venues meaning the white elephant syndrome experienced by some past Games cities is likely to be avoided.

"Medium to long-term sustained economic improvements are also possible but require the regeneration effort to continue for a further 10 to 15 years after the Games with Clyde Gateway and other public agencies responsible for regeneration, business development, inward investment, skills and training working with a common, continuing focus and degree of priority upon the East End.

"The research studies shows the Games have already delivered a significant range of social and economic benefits for the city's communities, people, places and businesses.

"While further benefits are expected, for the legacy to be maximised, it is imperative the momentum, the strong partnerships and the dedication of the staff and volunteers who delivered the best Games ever is sustained."