Spectators Praise 'Buzzing' Games

Spectators at the closing ceremony have praised the buzzing atmosphere'' created by the Glasgow 2014 games. People began filling up the stands at Hampden stadium from around 6.30pm, ahead of the event which brings the curtain down on 11 days of sport, and hands over to 2018 hosts the Gold Coast. Many of the 40,000-strong crowd have attended sessions at sports ranging from lawn bowls and wrestling, to athletics and gymnastics, while others have watched the action unfold on television. They praised the atmosphere created in the city, and confirmed that Glasgow 2014 had lived up to its billing as thefriendly games'', with helpful volunteers and locals. Ruth Cooper, 58, from Essex, has been visiting Glasgow with her family. She said: The atmosphere here in Glasgow has been absolutely fantastic. All of the volunteers have been really helpful, and the transport has held up."We've been able to enjoy some of the road races, the marathon and the cycling. It's been a great Commonwealth Games.'' Pamela Johnston, 30, from Gretna, is in the city to attend the ceremony with her mum, June Cumming, 53, also from Gretna. She said: I haven't actually had tickets for any events, but I have watched a lot of it on TV, especially the gymnastics."Coming to the city, I expected the atmosphere to be buzzing, and it has been. It has been such a boost for Glasgow.'' Ms Cumming said: The whole event has been excellent. It's the best thing that has happened to Scotland for a long time.'' Philip Badman, 41, from Wales, has been in Glasgow since Wednesday, attending events including lawn bowls, wrestling, rugby sevens and athletics. He said:I think Glasgow is a lovely city - I think some people maybe had a negative impression before the games, and the people here have done a really good job of turning that around." The whole event has been really well organised.''