Scotland has stepped in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew due to escalating costs.
This announcement was made by Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, who indicated that the event will be scaled back compared to 2014 to ensure sustainability.
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Glasgow, which successfully hosted the Games a decade ago, will take on the responsibility once again.
“This will be a celebration of sporting achievement. Excited about Glasgow 2026,” Mr Swinney said.
The Commonwealth Games are held every four years and include 74 nations and territories.
The event has been hosted in various countries, including Australia, Canada, and India. Birmingham was the host for the 2022 Games.
Victoria’s decision to withdraw last year was driven by concerns over escalating costs.
The Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) President, Ben Houston, said this was a fantastic outcome for the Commonwealth sport movement.
“They are irreplaceable in terms of providing global competition, and in the absence of an Australian host, it was in the interests of Australian sport that we make an overseas Games a reality.”
Despite this, Scotland’s agreement to host the Games will not require additional government funding.
Health Secretary Neil Gray announced that the Commonwealth Games Federation has allocated an additional 20 million pounds ($26 million) to support the event, including 5 million pounds ($6.5 million) for Glasgow’s capital upgrades.
Additionally, the UK government will provide 2.3 million pounds ($3 million) as a contingency fund if needed.
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