Commonwealth Games | Government Support Welcomed
Scottish Gymnastics welcomes the news from Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) that it has moved one step closer to securing the 2026 Commonwealth Games for Glasgow
The association for the Games in Scotland has secured support from the Scottish and UK governments for its proposed plan for hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. CGS has confirmed this support allows it to continue with plans to host the Games without public funding and by using existing facilities. CGS announced last month that it had already secured £100 million funding through private income.
Victoria in Australia was due to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games but withdrew in July 2023 after costs spiralled. Thanks to CGS, a reduced programme could now go ahead in Glasgow.
Scottish Gymnastics Chief Executive Doc McKelvey said: “We welcome the governments’ support and commitment which is a significant step towards the Games being held in Glasgow.
“Victoria withdrawing as host was a blow to athletes in Scotland and across the Commonwealth nations. We are grateful to CGS for their continued dedication, in securing £100 million of investment into Scotland a future for the Games in 2026.
“We do not know which sports could be in the programme of events and appreciate it will be fewer than in previous years. We hope that gymnastics is included. Artistic and rhythmic have been involved for many years, although rhythmic was not in the original plans for Victoria in Australia.
“We will continue to work with and support CGS as they finalise plans over the next few weeks and look forward to the concept of Glasgow 2026 becoming a reality.”
Full Commonwealth Games Scotland statement:
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SECURED FOR GLASGOW 2026 GAMES CONCEPT
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. CGS will now finalise discussions with wider Games stakeholders over the coming weeks and a formal announcement will follow on successful conclusion of the formal process.
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.”
Image: Commonwealth Games Scotland logo, courtesy of CGS.