Whether they put in a record-breaking performance or pointed a visitor in the right direction, they have shown that sport has the power to bring people together.

New stars have emerged and the home nations' athletes have dazzled us with their medal-winning performances. Athletes we wouldn't have recognised two weeks ago are now household names and what an inspiration they have been to our young people.  Families have filled our venues and watched as the athletes' expressions changed from shock to utter delight when they realised they'd won a Commonwealth medal.

New Commonwealth Games - and world - records have been set as the 71 nations and territories have competed in 17 different sports. Young athletes from around the Commonwealth have excelled and while I can't list them all, I would like to give a special mention to Erraid Davies, bronze medal winner in the SB9 100 metres breaststroke. As Scotland's youngest ever competitor, she has inspired us all.

At 13, swimmer Erraid Davies has become a popular at these Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games after winning a bronze medal in the SB9 100m breaststroke ©Getty Images

Glasgow 2014 has been Scotland's most successful sporting event ever. A total of 1.2 million tickets were sold and hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed the city's and nation's hospitality. Our Commonwealth family were welcomed like old friends, lifelong memories were created and our wonderful Clyde mascot sold out fast. Good news though, for Clyde and haggis fans, you can still order both online at www.glasgow2014.com.

Alongside the sport, hundreds of cultural activities have taken place with our festival live zones welcoming over half a million visitors.

Our volunteers, the Clyde-siders, have done a tremendous job as the smiling face of Scotland's biggest ever sporting and cultural festival, ensuring visitors from far and near received a warm, Scottish welcome.

The XX Commonwealth Games captured people's imagination and that's something we don't take for granted. The Organising Committee has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm the people of Glasgow, Scotland, the UK and the Commonwealth have shown for the Games.

Clyde has been so popular at Glasgow 2014 that even Usain Bolt wanted to have his photograph taken with him ©Getty Images

There is no doubt the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has enjoyed real success. That comes down not only to the athletes who have broken records, but also to the individuals, communities, businesses and our partner organisations who have worked hard to ensure the impact of the Games will be felt for many years to come.

The city's environment and infrastructure was improved in preparation for the Games - that includes transport, utilities and of course our sporting venues. One of the reasons Glasgow was awarded the Games was that 70 per cent of its venues were already in situ. Existing venues have been upgraded and new landmark venues, such as the Emirates Arena - which includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome - the SSE Hydro and the Glasgow National Hockey Centre have been added to the city.

Over £300 million has been invested in new and improved sports and Games-related facilities since 2009 and these venues will be a lasting legacy for athletes, coaches, governing bodies, young people and local communities.

Glasgow 2014 has been embraced the whole of Scotland, including the dogs ©Getty Images

Alongside our sporting venues, we have one special area that the 6,500 athletes and team officials have called home during the Games. The Athletes' Village will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow with 300 homes available for private sale and 400 affordable houses for rental.

The economic impact of the Games has been felt with over £300 million ($504 million/€376 million) worth of Commonwealth Games contracts awarded to the businesses who have provided essential works, goods and services. It is estimated 30,000 contractors have worked in the city and across venues during the Games and Glasgow City Council's ambitious Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative has found Modern Apprenticeship places for more than 2,900 Glasgow school leavers over the past four years.

Now, as we prepare to say goodbye to the Games, we should not underestimate the sense of pride and confidence that comes from being a Host City. From young people who've been inspired to take up sport to individuals who've gained new skills through volunteering or training, the legacy of the XX Commonwealth Games is only just beginning.

Everyone should be proud of what we accomplished together as we welcomed the Commonwealth in - and invite them "back to ours" tonight.

David Grevemberg is the chief executive of Glasgow 2014