THE Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide Scotland with a “huge opportunity” to showcase the best the country has to offer on the world stage, John Swinney has said ahead of the opening ceremony.
The First Minister welcomed the heads of visiting delegations from the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House, Glasgow, ahead of the Games beginning in the city.
The Games will officially kick off in Glasgow on Thursday with an opening ceremony featuring KT Tunstall, Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx.
Ahead of the Games, Swinney told Team Scotland athletes that the “whole country is behind you” as he wished them luck.
“Since the success of 2014, Glasgow has reinforced its reputation as one of the world's leading sporting cities,” he said.
“The excitement is gearing up here once again as the city gets ready to welcome the Games and the stage is set for the opening ceremony.
“The world will be watching, and this is a huge opportunity for us to showcase what Scotland has to offer – our passion, our warmth, our enthusiasm, our respect for others and our belief in the power of sport to inspire people and bring communities together.”
This year's Games will be scaled back, after Glasgow stepped in at the last minute to host the event, as it features 10 sports compared to the 17 that took place 12 years ago.
Although the number of events has been downsized, Glasgow 2026 will see the largest ever swimming, cycling and 3x3 basketball programmes with some 215 medals to be handed out to athletes.
The First Minister added: “Sport should be accessible to all, and we want to ensure the legacy of the major sporting events taking place this summer to stretch far beyond the next few months.
“To our Team Scotland athletes – the whole country is behind you. On behalf of everyone in Scotland, I wish you all the very best as you compete at the highest level. Whether or not you win gold, silver or bronze – I know that you will make us all proud and inspire the future generation of sporting talent.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd officially opened the Scotland House this week, which will operate as both a space for the athletes and their families.
The building will also be used as a central hub, hosting a programme of sporting and business events throughout the Games.
Todd said: “As well as providing a place for Team Scotland athletes, families and friends, partners and supporters to come together, Team Scotland House will enable international collaboration and engagement and help the Scottish Government maximise wider opportunities for Scotland and deliver a lasting sporting, social and business legacy.
“The Games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit, supporting local businesses and jobs. By bringing sport, culture and business together we will ensure Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the Games.”
