STATEMENT FROM THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES FEDERATION PRESIDENT

The Commonwealth Games Federation President Chris Jenkins has made the following statement in response to Commonwealth Games Australia’s multi-million-pound commitment of support for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games concept.

“We commend Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) for making this generous multi-million-pound offer to further enhance and support the Glasgow 2026 ambitions.

“It demonstrates the tremendous support from around the Commonwealth and the overwhelming desire to have a Games take place in 2026.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation fully endorses the innovative, cost-effective sustainable concept Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has developed for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and unreservedly believes that Scotland and the CGS team, with its significant experience in, and successful global reputation for organising major sports events, is more than able to deliver a world-class event in such a short period of time.

“A fundamental part and principle of the Glasgow 2026 project has always been to build a concept where the delivery of the Games does not require financial underwriting by either the Scottish or UK Governments. These Games are funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation investment of £100 million plus private income. Budgets have been devised by a team of experienced major event budgeting professionals and a significant contingency is included in the budget.

“In utilising existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, the compact concept would not only build on the legacy of Glasgow 2014 but would position Scotland as pioneers at the start of our journey. This forward-thinking, sustainable, and attractive proposition is something we are hugely passionate about as it will allow more countries to host these Games in the future. We believe our new Games model will lead the way for others to follow.

“The model for these Games is different but innovative, the past blueprint for multi-sports events had to change in order to become more sustainable for the future. Glasgow 2026 would be the first step in the Commonwealth Sport Movement’s journey to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, flexible, and sustainable model that inspires athletes, and excites Hosts and International Federations.

“In addition, on top of the Games bringing significant inward investment to Glasgow and Scotland, the Federation is also providing additional multi-million-pound investment into upgrading public sporting facilities and funding for legacy, cultural and city activation projects across Glasgow, to further ensure that the host community directly benefits from the Games.

“This further support from the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement demonstrates the commitment and confidence our members have with this concept as well as being a clear signal of the importance the Commonwealth Games holds in the world sporting calendar.

“On the basis that the Games are fully-funded and responsibly budgeted, with further support now pledged from international partners, we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to fully realise the benefits of a new, innovative Games in one of the Commonwealth’s most valued and experienced sporting cities.”