Glasgow is to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a deal was backed by the Scottish government.
A scaled-down version of the event, featuring fewer sports and athletes, will return to the city 12 years after it last hosted the Games.
The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the multi-sport event but withdrew as host due to rising costs.
Australian authorities have promised "a multi-million pound investment" to help finalise the deal.
Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray held talks with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss funding, and received the assurances the Scottish government were looking for.
It has now written to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to officially back a "a scaled back, but high-quality" event which will see see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city.
The compulsory sports of Athletics and Swimming will be held at Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre but the additional venues, as well as the dates for the event, have not yet been confirmed.
Gray said the fact that the city was asked to step in and host the games was a "testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events".
He said: "In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”
The minister added that CGS would be responsible for the budget and delivery of the event.
He told BBC Scotland News: "If there is a situation where we go beyond a very substantial contingency, CGS will need to look at the way then Games are being delivered rather than calling on either the UK or Scottish government for resource."
He added that he hoped a more "sustainable offering" would allow for a more "diverse mix of countries to host the games in the future".
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said this was a "positive outcome" for both Glasgow and the Commonwealth Games.
He said: "There are still a few hoops to jump through but I'm very much looking forward to an incredible celebration of sport and seeing Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd."
Comments
Post a Comment