It’s exciting news this morning that Scotland has stepped up to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, pending official approval from the Commonwealth Games Federation. As part of the global Scottish diaspora, I’m thrilled to see my former homeland rise to the occasion and support the Games.
This will be a scaled-down version, with a focus on fewer sports and a commitment to maximizing the use of existing facilities. Athletics and swimming, as the cornerstone sports of the Commonwealth Games, will continue to take center stage.
The Venue for Athletics
For athletics, the chosen venue is Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, a smaller facility primarily used for athletics and rugby union. While its official seating capacity is under 10,000, it’s expected that temporary stands will be erected to accommodate the crowds during the Games.
Measured Expectations
Given the more compact nature of these Games, it would be unfair to compare them to larger past events. Success should be measured not by the number of sports or the size of the crowds, but by the quality of the experience for athletes and spectators. In this respect, Glasgow’s reputation for hospitality is a major asset, as athletes and coaches from the 2014 Commonwealth Games can attest.
What About the Future?
Looking ahead to 2030, a key question looms: who will take on the responsibility of hosting the Games? The major challenge is funding. If a wealthy state like Victoria, Australia, can back out due to financial concerns, where does that leave future hosts? Can any countries from Africa or the Caribbean realistically afford to stage the Games?
The traditional funding model, where a single host country shoulders the financial burden, is increasingly unsustainable. While the Games can bring prestige and a temporary boost in national morale, they often leave behind a hefty price tag, sometimes with long-term negative consequences for the host country.
A New Funding Model?
Is there a more equitable way to fund the Commonwealth Games? One idea is to distribute the financial responsibility across all participating nations. By establishing an overall budget, which could then be divided among countries based on a percentage of their GDP, the burden could be shared more fairly. This approach might also reduce resistance from potential host nations. After all, it’s understandable that Victoria chose to prioritize spending on health, education, and social services over the immense costs of hosting the Games. Under the current system, it’s simply too heavy a load for any one nation to bear.
With collective support, the Commonwealth Games could continue to thrive without imposing excessive financial strain on any one country. A shared approach could secure the future of this beloved sporting tradition while preserving its positive impact on athletes and spectators alike.
Stuart
ATFCA Level 4 Elite Sprints, Hurdles and Relays coach
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