Exactly two years from today the 2014 Commonwealth Games will get under way in Glasgow and preparations for the city's biggest sporting event are now developing at pace.

Facilities such as the Hydro Arena, Velodrome and National Indoor Sports arena are taking shape.

The Athletes' Village and plans to convert and upgrade other venues for training facilities are also moving forward and Glasgow will be a different place following the Games.

The Commonwealth Games is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the 2014 Organising Committee.

All three are heavily involved in developing the plans that will ensure Glasgow delivers a Games to be remembered by all who take part and to deliver lasting benefits in the city.

This week we mark the milestone with a series looking at the preparation for the Games and what it will mean for Glasgow in terms of sport, health and improved infrastructure and a look at Scotland's achievements at previous Games.

Today we hear from Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 Ltd, David Grevemberg, Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow City Council chief, Gordon Matheson, on what the Games will deliver for Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson said: Today marks the day when Glasgow begins the two-year countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

Two years may sound like a long time, but it does not seem like five years since Glasgow was awarded the Games in Sri Lanka in 2007.

Glasgow is ready to host the Games, and I know that they will showcase the very best that this city has to offer.

We are marking this occasion by showing the fantastic homes at the Athletes' Village. So much progress has been made.

Like so many of the other Games-related projects such as the Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Hydro at the SECC and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre, this is providing jobs and training opportunities for Glaswegians and business opportunities for all sizes of firms and groups.

The Games offers Glasgow a once-in-a-generation chance to make huge physical changes to the city and leave an economic, social and environmental legacy.

What we are doing to prepare for the Games will leave the city a better place in which to live, work and play. It will put us in a great place to bid for other sporting events.

We have a Glasgow 2014 Legacy Framework in place. Over £180million of Games-related projects have been awarded to Glasgow-based firms and we have provided more than 2000 young people with an apprenticeship.

We continue to aim to involve as many people, firms and organisations across the city to make sure that we all benefit from the Games. I chair the Glasgow 2014 Legacy Board, which provides expertise from many fields in the public and private sectors.

I am sure all of Glasgow is already anticipating the Games.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: In just two years, the eyes of the world will be on both Glasgow as we celebrate the Games' opening ceremony.

The great city of Glasgow is the perfect venue for the Games and we are already seeing the benefits. Over 1billion pounds worth of infrastructure projects are being taken forward, supporting 1500 jobs in 2011 and again in 2012.

But we know there are even more benefits. That is why, earlier this year, the First Minister announced a £5million youth employment initiative giving up to 2500 young people the chance to gain work in the major events, like the Games, that Scotland will host.

The major changes that the Games are bringing to the city's skyline are becoming more and more visible by the day. It's fantastic to see the excellent progress being made on the Athletes' Village, much of which will become affordable housing.

In addition, refurbishment work is already complete at the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Complex.

The Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will be ready to be used by the public later this year.

In short, these Games are on time, on budget and on track to being a roaring success.

The Commonwealth Games will show the world what vibrant and welcoming places both Glasgow and Scotland are. Having the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow offers the chance to make real improvements to people's lives and to raise our sights as a nation.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, said:

Today's milestone marks a significant moment.

And marking it, creates an opportunity for us to reflect on what's been achieved to date in bringing to life the aspirations and ambitions of hundreds and thousands of people who backed the bid to bring the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

That shared vision is springing to life with every passing day.

Already, across Glasgow, world-class venues are emerging which will be used by elite athletes and ordinary citizens.

Just as importantly is a growing recognition of the potential these Games have to showcase the best of our people, our businesses, our cultural creativity and our country to the world. Everywhere I go I meet people who are determined and committed to take action, contribute and be part of creating a Games that is welcoming, enthralling and has impact long beyond 11 days of amazing sport.

We welcome the attention, take our responsibility seriously and look forward to engaging, inspiring, exciting and sharing the journey with as many people as possible.

Today brings us a day closer to a Commonwealth Games that, together, we can create and of which Glasgow and Scotland can be proud.