Talks are reportedly underway for Glasgow to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026 after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts due to budget constraints. The Scottish government is said to be convinced that the games could be held in a scaled-down format that would avoid the need to tap into public funds. The event could feature up to 13 sports, compared with 18 in 2014, when Glasgow previously hosted the games. The costs of the games dogged the Victoria bid. Neil Gray, Scottish Health Secretary is expected to meet with Commonwealth Games Australia today to progress the proposal.
The bid has won senior Commonwealth support. Chris Jenkins, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has predicted that “Glasgow will deliver a world class Commonwealth Games and create a model for the future.” He emphasised that the games would not need either the Scottish or UK governments to underwrite the costs. The event would instead be funded by a CGF investment of £100m ($128m) plus private income.
Despite this, the UK government last week offered £2.3m to help cover safety and security costs associated with the privately-funded event, on the proviso that the Scottish government provides matching funds. Four venues would be used, including Scotstoun Stadium and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, down from nine in 2014. Lorely Burt Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for sport, welcomed the news and said the games provided Glasgow with a “fantastic opportunity to heal divisions” brought about by Brexit.
Commonwealth Games Scotland is also in favour of the proposed event. Last week, a spokesperson for the organisation said “Australia’s willingness to invest, to further alleviate concerns of perceived financial and reputational risk, shows the high regard on which our cost-effective proposal is held within the global sport and events community
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