Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) President, Ben Houston, has applauded Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) after they secured Scottish and UK Government support for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The decision provides the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) with the tools it needs to conclude stakeholder discussions, with the aim of formally announcing Glasgow as the 2026 host city as soon as possible.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Commonwealth Sport Movement,” Houston said.
“We commend and applaud Commonwealth Games Scotland for their reimagination of the Games in a sustainable and cost-effective way, as well as the Scottish and UK Government for their support of the concept.”
“Australia’s athletes, and those from across the Oceania region, are now expected to have the chance to compete on the global stage as the pathway to Brisbane 2032 continues.”
Houston doubled down on the importance of the Commonwealth Games to the Australian high-performance pathway as one of five pinnacle event opportunities outlined in Australia’s HP 2032+ Sport Strategy.
46% of Australia’s athletes first compete in the green and gold at the Commonwealth Games and 51% of athletes who medal at the Commonwealth Games go on to medal at their next international competition.
“The Commonwealth Games are at the heart of Australia’s performance pathway, often providing the launch pad for continued and ongoing success by Australian athletes,” Houston said.
“They are irreplaceable in terms of providing global competition and, in the absence of an Australian host, it was in the interests of Australian sport that we make an overseas Games a reality.”
Houston also acknowledged that the reduced sport programme will impact several CGA member sports.
“We know that a reduced sport programme will have an impact on some member sports and their athletes, and our commitment to them is that they will remain a valued member of the Commonwealth family,” Houston added.
In the coming weeks, final stakeholder discussions will take place to provide for the formal announcement of Glasgow, Scotland as host.
This includes Games dates for the European summer, the sport programme and the multi-million pound contribution that CGA will make to delivering Glasgow 2026.
