Aberdeen should share in Commonwealth benefits - Lyon

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th May 2009

George Lyon, top Liberal Democrat candidate for the European elections, was joined on a visit to Kincorth Swimming Pool and Aberdeen Sports Village by Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Aberdeen South candidate John Sleigh.

Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign for better sports facilities in Aberdeen, including a 50M Olympic standard pool in the lead up to 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Local challenger John Sleigh said:

"We have seen the two sides to leisure facilities today. A exciting new sports village a stones throw away from a swimming pool that is in need of urgent upgrade.

"The sports village shows what can be done. This is the standard we must meet and secure an Olympic standard pool for Aberdeen."

Commenting, Mr. Lyon said:

"In the run up to the Glasgow Games in 2014 it is vital we increase the quality of sporting facilities here in Aberdeen and across Scotland.

"By investing in high quality sporting facilities we can create much needed local jobs to help pull us out of Labour's recession."

Sir Menzies Campbell MP added:

"There is no doubt that when the Commonwealth Games come to Scotland in a few years it will be a spectacle to behold.

"It is of the utmost importance that there are proper facilities available throughout the country so that our athletes can have the best possible preparation.

"Aberdeen would benefit from such investment in facilities and a 50-metre swimming pool is one such example.

"The benefits to the health and well being from increased participation in sport go without saying. This is as much an investment in future health as it is in sporting excellence."