- FM: The stage is set and eyes of the world are on Glasgow
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provides a huge opportunity
to showcase the best of Scotland on the world stage, First
Minister has said.
The First Minister welcomed heads of visiting delegations from
the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House,
Glasgow, ahead of the Games beginning in the city tomorrow (Thursday 23 July).
Officially opened by Minister for Sport , Scotland House will operate as
both a space for the athletes and their families, as a well as a
central hub for business engagement, hosting a programme of
sporting and business events throughout the Games.
The First Minister wished Team Scotland good luck ahead of the
Games and encouraged people across the country to get involved in
the Summer of Sport'.
He said:
Since the success of 2014, Glasgow has reinforced its reputation
as one of the world's leading sporting cities. The excitement is
gearing up here once again as the city gets ready to welcome the
Games and the stage is set for the opening ceremony.
The world will be watching, and this is a huge opportunity for us
to showcase what Scotland has to offer our passion, our warmth,
our enthusiasm, our respect for others and our belief in the
power of sport to inspire people and bring communities together.
The Scottish Government is investing £20 million through the
'Summer of Sport', to encourage children and young people across
the country to be inspired by the Games and get active, stay
active, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Sport should
be accessible to all, and we want to ensure the legacy of the
major sporting events taking place this summer to stretch far
beyond the next few months.
To our Team Scotland athletes the whole country is behind you. On
behalf of everyone in Scotland I wish you all the very best as
you compete at the highest level. Whether or not you win gold,
silver or bronze I know that you will make us all proud and
inspire the future generation of sporting talent.
Sport Minister said:
As well as providing a place for Team Scotland athletes, families
and friends, partners and supporters to come together, Team
Scotland House will enable international collaboration and
engagement and help the Scottish Government maximise wider
opportunities for Scotland and deliver a lasting sporting, social
and business legacy.
The Games are expected to bring more than £150 million of
economic benefit, supporting local businesses and jobs. By
bringing sport, culture and business together we will ensure
Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the Games.
