Glasgow Commonwealth Games to deliver £150m boost as sporting spectacle nears
Stars to perform at opening ceremony on Thursday evening
The Commonwealth Games is expected to deliver a £150 million boost and deliver benefits that “extend far beyond the multi-sport event itself”, according to Scotland’s sports minister.
Maree Todd said that the spectacle would provide support for local businesses and jobs, while First Minister John Swinney described it as a “huge opportunity” to showcase what the nation has to offer.
The Games officially kick-off in Glasgow on Thursday with an opening ceremony at the city’s OVO Hydro venue, featuring artists including KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx.
Although the event will feature just 10 sports compared to the 17 that were on the timetable when Glasgow last hosted the Games in 2014, Mr Swinney said the competition would attract a global audience.
“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.”
Over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports throughout the 11 days of competition, with organisers promising a “new era of Commonwealth sport” featuring a “future-focused vision.”
Top athletes taking part include Scotland's new mile world-record holder, Josh Kerr, the teenage Samoan weightlifting star, Seine Stowers, and the South African swimmer, Chad le Clos, who is on the verge of becoming the most decorated male athlete in the Games’ history.
It comes as Mr Swinney said Scotland’s athletes should compete with “pride and passion" when the Games get underway.
He said: "I'm so proud of the city of Glasgow who have made these Games possible, without the city of Glasgow the Games could not have happened and they have stepped in to make sure his competition can happen.”
The first minister had earlier insisted the city was “ready” to host the Games, despite the “ambitious” renovation work that is taking place.
While projects currently involve areas such as George Square, in the heart of Glasgow, being redeveloped, Mr Swinney said the work would not detract from the Games.
Glasgow stepped in to host the tournament after Victoria in Australia pulled out amid concerns over rising costs, and Mr Swinney said organisers had delivered the event “in an absolutely record time scale,” pointing to “an unbridled enthusiasm and joy about coming to Glasgow” from the other nations taking part.
He praised George Black, the chair of Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, stating: “This organisation had 18 months to save the Commonwealth Games and the team, led by George Black, have done exactly that, working with the city council in Glasgow and with partners in Commonwealth Games Scotland to make sure the Games can be well organised.”
Mr Swinney has also welcomed the heads of visiting delegations from the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House in Glasgow
Officially opened by Ms Todd, Scotland House will operate as both a space for the athletes and their families, as well as a “central hub” for business engagement, hosting a programme of sporting and business events throughout the Games.
Ms 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 £150m 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.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla will join athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators at Thursday evening’s opening ceremony.
Team Scotland’s most successful athlete of all time, the bowler, Alex Marshall, and Sarah Adlington, the first judoka ever to win two Games gold medals, will be the flagbearers for Scotland at the ceremony.
Mr Marshall, who has competed in seven previous iterations of the quadrennial event, winning seven medals, including five golds, said he was thrilled to be taking part in another “incredible moment.”
He said: “Walking into the Hydro carrying the Saltire, with the support of a Scottish crowd behind us and my family watching on will be a truly special occasion.
“It will be an absolute privilege to lead this team out with Sarah, and I know every single one of us will give everything to bring success home for Team Scotland.”
Ms Adlington, who will be going for an unprecedented third gold at what will be her final Games, added: “Representing Scotland has always meant so much to me, so to have the opportunity to lead this team into a home Commonwealth Games is a real privilege that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Sir Chris Hoy, one of the nation’s all time most decorated athletes, will also take part in the event.
A closing ceremony will also be held at the Hydro on 2 August featuring acts such as Simple Minds, Sandi Thom, Cammy Barnes, and BEMZ.
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