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Belong to Glasgow: Final hurdle cleared for 2016 Commonwealth Games rescue package

Belong to Glasgow: Final hurdle cleared for 2016 Commonwealth Games rescue package

Tuesday 17th September 2024

Lynsey Sharp’s silver medal moment at Glasgow 2014 was captured in this iconic photo by Bobby Gavin

BBC Scotland news report

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.

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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