Former Olympic champion Kip Keino yesterday praised Glasgow's sporting facilities as the city continues its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The president of the Kenyan Olympic Committee toured the city and promoted the announcement that BBC Scotland has become the fifth major supporter of the Glasgow campaign, which aims to secure the vote against rivals Abuja and Halifax on November 9.

The deal means BBC Scotland will produce the promotional films to be used in presentations. This includes submission of the bid document in London on May 9, and for the final vote in Sri Lanka six months later. The films will also be used throughout the summer when all Commonwealth countries will visit Glasgow and Scotland.

The broadcaster joins Clydesdale Bank, First Group, Highland Spring and O2 as official "major supporters" of the bid. They cannot be called sponsors, because of strict rules surrounding the bidding process, but they will enjoy exclusive access to the bid brand, official logo and tartan.

Keino won Commonwealth 1500m gold at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, but is possibly better known by Scots for having been defeated there in the 5000m by Ian Stewart and Ian McCafferty. He further cemented relations between the two countries by confirming details of a sports scholarship at Stirling University, which was the main purpose of his visit.

It is the culmination of two years of negotiation between Keino and Professor Grant Jarvie, the university's deputy principal.

"In sport, there are no secrets - it's through hard work, good coaching and the right coaching," said Keino. "We are now trying to harness that."

His country has produced more Olympic middle distance and endurance Olympic and world medallists in recent years than any other, and Kenya intends to keep it that way, with help from Stirling. "Not a lot of scientific application has happened in our part of the world. Natural ability is there, but it is not enough."

Keino will have a significant say in whether his country votes for Glasgow, but said he was maintaining an open mind. He had been in Scotland only once since 1970, and never to Glasgow.

"It's too early (to say how Kenya will vote) but to be able to see what is there yourself, when making any assessment, seeing what is on offer when the time comes... I'm here to look at what Glasgow has to offer. After seeing it, then you are able to judge."

The BBC film will help persuade the uncommitted, and the bid team is delighted to have secured its backing. Derek Casey, the Glasgow bid director, said: "This is a hugely significant announcement for our bid as the BBC is one of the best-known and most-respected brands in the world.

"They are synonymous with outstanding sports coverage including the Commonwealth Games.

"The BBC's reputation for creativity, quality and excellence will ensure we have promotional films that display the qualities of our bid. Further, it will communicate the way our games will contribute to the development of the event throughout the Commonwealth. The BBC will also help us bring to life the magic of Glasgow and Scotland."

Ken MacQuarrie, controller of BBC Scotland, suggested that Glasgow 2014 would benefit from the advantages of the corporation's move to new headquarters at Pacific Quay. "We're delighted to be part of the Glasgow Commonwealth team," he said. "The technology at our disposal now is at the very forefront of the broadcasting world, and we hope to use that to show the attractions of Glasgow and Scotland to the international community."

The deal also gives the BBC a head start in the race to be host broadcaster if Glasgow wins the vote. The agreement is effective only until November this year.

A decision regarding the host broadcaster will not be made until after the successful bid is announced.