Lynsey Sharp’s silver medal moment at Glasgow 2014 was captured in this iconic photo by Bobby Gavin
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has secured support from Scottish and UK governments for its proposed plan for hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In April, CGS revealed details of an innovative, cost-effective and sustainable concept for the Games that could see a scaled back, but high-quality Games being delivered without the need for public funding, utilising existing facilities in the city.
Since then, CGS has further developed plans with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and other stakeholders – including both the Scottish and UK governments – to ensure that the Commonwealth Games’ high standard of competition can be achieved within the designated budget.
CGS welcomes the support and commitment from both governments which ensures that a 2026 Games in Glasgow has taken a significant step forward to being realised
Final discussions with wider Games stakeholders will now take place over the coming weeks and a formal announcement will follow on successful conclusion of the formal process.
‘I am absolutely delighted that the various stakeholders have now reached agreement for Glasgow to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026,’ said our Chair, David Ovens.
‘It is ten years since Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games, showcasing some inspiring performances by the likes of Eilidh Doyle and Lynsey Sharp.
‘That event proved to be a platform to crystallise a golden generation of Scottish athletes who have performed consistently well on the international stage over the past decade.
‘We saw earlier this year how good Glasgow is at hosting big events, with the World Indoor Championships at The Emirates Arena in February.
‘Josh Kerr’s gold medal and Jemma Reekie’s silver medal were two special occasions amongst a host of top quality performances by international superstars.
‘Glasgow 2026 has the same potential to inspire the next generation of athletes to believe that they too can be like Josh, Jemma, Laura Muir, Eilish McColgan, Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley and others.
‘Well done to everybody who was involved in getting this over the line and I am already looking forward to what promises to be an incredible summer of athletics in 2026.’
David Ovens and Eilish McColgan (photo by Bobby Gavin)
Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: ‘Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal.
‘We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.
‘Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain.
‘This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.
‘I would like to thank both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their confidence and financial contributions to the project, which have ensured that the Games can continue, that public funds will not be required and which delivers a significant economic boost to the City of Glasgow and to Scotland.’
Scotland medal haul in 2022 – and now there will be a follow-on from Birmingham (graphic created from Bobby Gavin images)
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