Could Glasgow be the saviour to the doomed Commonwealth Games in 2026?
The Games were due to be held in the Australian state of Victoria, however, the state pulled out of the agreement in July of last year.
This has left the 2026 multi-sport event in major doubt.
South-East Asian neighbours, Singapore and Malaysia, ruled out hosting the event earlier this month and Glasgow looks to be the only viable option available to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
Commonwealth Games Scotland has stepped forward and developed an innovative solution to the issue, suggesting that Glasgow could host a smaller-scale Games that would not rely on significant public investment.
Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “We know how important the Commonwealth Games is for athletes, sports and supporters, and we remain concerned about the impact the ongoing uncertainty around 2026 is having on everyone concerned.
“It is vital that a Games takes place in this cycle, and we are hopeful that a positive outcome can be delivered through the CGF’s discussions with other nations.
“We also wanted to ensure that we had left no stone unturned in the search for solutions, should a viable alternative fail to materialise, but recognised the need for a model that did not rely on large public investment.”
It is proposed that Glasgow 2026 would take place over 11 days in July and August and would include a core programme of 10-13 sports.
To ensure that the event is run as sustainably as possible, the Games would make use of the existing world-class sporting venues and accommodation available in Glasgow and the budget would not exceed £150m.
The CGF has offered an incentive to potential hosts by making £100m available in funding for the host city, with thanks to the Victoria financial settlement.
Additionally, the remaining £30m to £50m would be covered using commercial income.
Victoria cited unexpected cost increases and the short preparation for its withdrawal from hosting the event in 2026.
It is expected that the scrapped games cost the state $589m. However, if executed effectively, it is hoped that a modest version of the games in Glasgow that runs to budget could generate an additional £100m to the economy.
Earlier this month, a report from the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport highlighted the positive impact that hosting the Commonwealth Games can have on the local economy.
The report states that the Birmingham 2022 iteration of the championships contributed almost £1.2 billion to the UK economy.
Other benefits experienced in the West Midlands included new jobs being created, the economy growing and a positive legacy for future generations.
Glasgow has emerged as the most suitable host in having a track record in hosting world-class sporting events.
The city recently hosted the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in March with great success and famously hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Susan Egelstaff, Sport Writer at the Herald, said: “Glasgow was a great success in 2014 and, as a result, has the facilities and infrastructure to successfully host a scaled down version of the Commonwealth Games.
“However, I am not sure if it’s a good idea as it might struggle to live up to the success of the previous games. How can you organise an event like this in such a short space of time?
“We will have to wait and see what the decision will be at the end of May but I’m sure that if Glasgow is chosen to stand in, it will do it’s very best to put on the best show possible.”
The Commonwealth Games have been a great success since its inception in 1930 and there is real threat to its long-term future as the Commonwealth Games Federation explores options for the 2026 games.
Glasgow has thrown its hat into the ring and it remains to be seen as to whether it will be trusted with the honour of hosting the multi-sport event for the second time.
