Guernsey athletes get set for Glasgow Games in 2026
GUERNSEY’S top athletes will be heading to Glasgow in 2026 for a new-look Commonwealth Games.
The Scottish government has given its formal backing for the city to stage the Games, which had been in heavy jeopardy since the Australian state of Victoria dropped out over escalating costs in July 2023.
Current proposals are for a scaled-down Games, using only existing venues and featuring just 10 sports, rather than 18 as when Glasgow last hosted in 2014.
Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association chairwoman Angela Stuart called it ‘brilliant news’ that the event will be going ahead at all in 2026.
‘We have been waiting for this news for quite some months,’ she said.
‘We were hoping to have this information back in May this year, so we have all been on tenterhooks waiting to see if there will be a Games or not.
‘We are very, very pleased that permission has been received and Scotland can go forward.’
For most sports there is uncertainty, as only athletics and swimming are confirmed to feature in Glasgow. Guernsey also had athletes competing in cycling, boxing, lawn bowls, badminton and triathlon at Birmingham 2022.
Mrs Stuart now awaits further information so that she and the rest of team Guernsey can begin their preparations.
‘The indication from both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland is it’s likely to be in coming weeks,’ she added.
‘We look forward to receiving all the positive news – when it’s going to be, how many sports there are going to be and how many athletes we can take – and to proceed with our selection processes.’
Since the bombshell announcement of Victoria’s withdrawal, numerous countries around Europe, Asia, Oceania and even Africa had shown interest as hosts.
Glasgow’s bid gained massive momentum last Friday when the CGF offered £100m. towards hosting the event, which came from the compensation given by the Victorian government after the state’s withdrawal. This covers most of the estimated £114m. required to host the Games.
‘At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100m. from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK governments,’ CGF president Chris Jenkins said.
‘The additional generous contribution of around £2.3m. from Commonwealth Games Australia to the Glasgow concept will further enhance the Games delivery and is a strong sign of the support and excitement for the concept within the wider Commonwealth Games movement.’
