Glasgow has agreed to hold a slimmed-down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, reviving the event after Victoria scrapped its plans to host it.
The plan sees funding from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) to support the event, which will only feature 10 sports. The decision remains subject to approval by the CGF.
As the games were planned to be hosted in Victoria, Australia, the CGA put forward a $4.5m fund, while the CGF offered a large sum of the Victorian government’s $380m compensation which was owed for pulling out of hosting.
The decision came Tuesday morning after a meeting held by the Scottish Cabinet. Scottish health secretary, Neil Gray, said the games will not cost the public purse a single penny, and that it was “critically important” that there were no financial risks for the Scottish government.
“We have been clear that our financial resources are limited,” he said.
Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014. This new plan for the 2026 games will feature only 10 sports in comparison to 2022’s 19 and the 2014’s 18. The only confirmed sports as of yet include athletics and swimming.
Despite this, Gray aims to lift the nation’s spirits going in, stating it will be a “world-class sporting event which will reimagine the Commonwealth Games for future generations”.
The CGF president Chris Jenkins says the funding from the CGF and CGA will prevent the UK government and Scottish government from needing to step in financially and will enhance the delivery of the games.
“We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and international federations,” he said.
Scottish opposition leader Anas Sarwar discussed the games ability to bring investment and tourism to the city and the country.
“This is our chance to complete the legacy of the 2014 games, show global leadership and deliver the change that Glasgow needs,” he said.
Sarwar hopes to be the first minister in 2026 when the next Scottish elections will be held. He said he can’t wait for the opportunities the games will hold for the people and businesses of Glasgow.
However, Sarwar is also in agreeance with other Scottish politicians that are raising concerns over the state of Glasgow city centre and the cleanliness of the city preparing for tourists.
“It shouldn’t take big events for the council to do its job and clean up the city.”
Photo: Dawn over Glasgow by Ian Dick is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.
