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The inclusion of six Para-sports – including four Paralympic sports – for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland has been praised by Paralympics Australia.
The revised program will include events showcasing Para-athletes in athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, bowls and 3×3 basketball.
Each sport, except bowls and 3×3 basketball, is included in the program for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
“We congratulate and thank all the parties involved for bringing the 2026 Commonwealth Games to life,” Paralympics Australia interim CEO Cameron Murray said.
“It gives athletes from Australia and across the Commonwealth the opportunity to aspire to reach the Games and potentially gain the invaluable experience of competing at a major event.
“Integration of Para-sport has been a very successful aspect of the Commonwealth Games program since Manchester 2002 and, while the reduced program means some sports are unable to compete at these Games, we are pleased to see a high level of representation that ensures the Commonwealth Games remains a great example of inclusion and diversity in elite sport.”
Para-sport events remain a key priority and “point of difference”, the Commonwealth Games Federation said in its announcement. The full program, CGF said, was athletics and Para-athletics (track and field), swimming and Para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and Para-cycling, netball, weightlifting and Para-powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and Para-bowls, and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball.
‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority, the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform,’’ Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said.
‘’The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.”
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “I want to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their commitment to hosting the 2026 Games.
“To continue to thrive, the movement needed a reset after the Victorian Government made the decision to cancel and Scotland has delivered the perfect blueprint for ongoing success and development.
“I look forward to sharing the experience with a forecast Australian Team of more than 400 athletes and officials.”
Glasgow 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the event and comes 12 years after the city hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The event will be concentrated across four closely situated venues, promising a multi-sport environment and festival feel.
Organisers expect more than 500,000 tickets to be made available and around 3,000 athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations.
By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.
Published 22 October, 2024.
