​Furniture from Glasgow 2014 athletes village to be donated to poor families across the city

Furniture used by some of the world’s top athletes during the Commonwealth Games will be distributed to vulnerable families in Glasgow to help them furnish their homes.

Wardrobes, beds and sofas from the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village in Dalmarnock are to be offered to people in need after the games conclude.

Glasgow 2014 and RGS Ltd, the official furniture provider for the games, will hand over the furniture to Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).

GHA is working out how the 36,000 items of furniture will then be collected, restored and delivered to families, groups, housing associations and charities across the city.

The association says plans for the sustainable reuse of the Athletes’ Village furniture is another example of the games creating a lasting legacy for the city.

We’re delighted to do our bit to provide a lasting legacy for the people of this city

Among the items which will be available are wardrobes, beds, mattresses, sofas, bean bags, clothes racks and lamps.

Much of the equipment was previously used at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was relocated for use in Glasgow alongside newly manufactured items such as folding chairs and tables.

Twelve new training opportunities on GHA’s community janitor scheme will also be created by this project to move and refurbish furniture items.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “It’s fantastic that the furniture used by the athletes and officials during the Games this summer is going to be distributed to families in need in Glasgow.

“Sustainability is very high on Glasgow 2014’s agenda and this is a tangible benefit from the games to the great people of this city, following the excitement of the sporting events themselves.”

GHA’s Olga Clayton said: “We’re delighted to do our bit to provide a lasting legacy for the people of this city.

“We know many people are finding it difficult financially in these tough times. This project will make a big difference to thousands of adults, families and groups who need help to make their house a home.”

However, charity won’t benefit from plans to auction off sports equipment and props used during the opening ceremony – including the now famous Tunnocks Teacake models.

Organisers confirmed that cash generated will be ploughed back into the cost of the games.