Lord McConnell: The best ever commonwealth games also put children first

For 12 wonderful days this summer, Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It was an impressive show: a dynamic and welcoming opening ceremony, top quality sports in stunning venues and a cultural festival that brought the visitors and the locals together in celebration of all this is good about Glasgow and Scotland.

And The ‘best ever Games’ made history in another way too.

Glasgow 2014 hosted the world's first international fundraiser at a major international sporting event – in partnership with UNICEF, the worldwide organisation for children. The goal was to use the power of sport to improve the lives of children in every country of the Commonwealth by raising money in the run-up to and during the Games. This all came together in one powerful moment during the opening ceremony when Sir Chris Hoy, James McAvoy and others called on the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth to donate to Put Children First.

Those lucky enough to be there, and those watching around the Commonwealth helped raise over £5 million for the children of the Commonwealth. There were 670,000 individual donations made in the UK alone demonstrating the huge generosity of the British public and our deep commitment to help the world’s poorest children. The money raised will help protect children from poverty, disease and violence, provide life-saving food and vaccines and many children the chance to take part in sport for the first time.

I’ll remember the Glasgow games for showing the best of Scotland, and for the talent and commitment of the athletes from around the world. I’ll remember Scottish medal winners, and I’ll never forget athletes with disabilities who had travelled across the globe to compete side by side with global superstars. And I will always be proud that we used the power of us all working together to put children first, and inspired a new purpose for major games that I a sure will be repeated in future.

Whatever our views on Scotland’s future, we can take pride in the generosity of spirit that was shown in Scotland this summer and for everything we achieved for children. We rightly declared that no child should die from disease, poverty or violence where we can help, and that every child has the right to a happy and fulfilling life. So let’s continue to make children the winners by helping UNICEF Put Children First.

For more information on how you can support UNICEF please contact Ali Louis on alil@unicef.org.uk