Tag: commonwealth games

22/07/2026

Commonwealth Games: Powered By Volunteers.

This summer, from Thursday 23^rd July to Sunday 2^nd August, the Commonwealth Games will take place. Being held in Glasgow, Scotland, the upcoming edition of the Multi Sport event, will provide the Scottish nation with a front row seat to watch some of the world’s finest athletes perform at the highest level. Taking centre stage, the athletes will prepare to represent their countries, and everyone who has supported them throughout their journeys in sport.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are not only proud to play an ongoing part in Scotland’s sporting system, throughout grassroot sport and the performance pathway, supporting Scottish athletes as they make the transition from playground to podium. But to also have a committed team of staff and volunteers that will be supporting at Glasgow 2026.

SDS’s Education and Learning Manager, Alison Shaw, will be at the Games, as part of a dedicated Athletes Services team at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, covering the swimming and para swimming competitions. Alison will play a vital role in making sure that athletes have everything they need, in order to perform at the highest level.

Looking forward to the Games starting, Alison said: “I’m most looking forward to the buzz of the Games – just being part of all the excitement is such a great feeling. I’m also looking forward to meeting other volunteers and looking after the swimmers.”

“Glasgow 2026 is going to play a huge part in creating a whole host of role models. Not only will the Games feature athletes from a range of backgrounds – including different ages, abilities, impairments, sports and cultures, but the same can be said of the staff and volunteers who are just as diverse. The Glasgow 2026 team has done a lot of work to understand the needs of different groups, including working with the SDS Young Persons’ Sports Panel to make sure that the volunteering application process and opportunities was inclusive for disabled people, ensuring there’ll be a role model for everyone at the Games this year.”

Also at the Games, will be SDS’s Central Regional Manager, Mark Stevenson, who will have a busy schedule, being Head Coach for Team Scotland’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball squads. Through undertaking several positions in the sport, such as Great Britain’s U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team’s Head Coach, Mark has made himself an integral part of Scotland’s Wheelchair Basketball network.

With Team Scotland’s Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball squads starting their campaigns on Saturday 25^th July, Mark is excited for what is to come, he said: “I am extremely proud to be supporting the Scotland squad’s preparations. We have two great squads and are part of an absolutely amazing Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball 3×3 programme. The Commonwealth Games is the highest competition that we can compete in the Blue of Scotland, in Wheelchair Basketball, as it is TeamGB for Paralympics, European and Worlds. We cannot wait to do ourselves proud, compete with the best in the world and come home with medals.”

As Scotland’s governing body for boccia, SDS has built up an amazing network of dedicated volunteers, coaches and officials, who work to support the delivery of boccia sessions, clubs, events and competitions. One of these volunteers is Ling Man, who volunteers for Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport, delivering boccia and swimming sessions.

At the Commonwealth Games, Ling will be part of the volunteer team at Scotstoun Athletics “As this is my first time volunteering at a major event, I am nervous at what to expect, as well as being excited to meet other volunteers and elite athletes. I do not currently know too much about what my role will be throughout the Games. However, what I do know is that Glasgow 2026 is an amazing opportunity to showcase Scotland’s passion for inclusive sport, and to demonstrate what people with disabilities can achieve at the highest level. I’m proud to be part of an event that celebrates talent, determination and community, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in making it a memorable experience.” Ling said.

Josh Thomson, SDS’s Events Manager, will also be at the Games this summer, undertaking the role of Commonwealth Games Association Assistant. Primarily providing administrative support to the Commonwealth Association of Papua New Guinea, Josh will play an important role, helping them to have a fun, successful and enjoyable experience during their time in Glasgow.

With an opportunity to have a front row seat to the sport this summer, Josh is looking forward to seeing the importance of major events in the sporting pathway “I think the Commonwealth Games is a vital sporting opportunity within the performance pathway. For young Scottish athletes in particular to see athletes in their sport competing internationally while wearing the Team Scotland jersey will be so inspiring and motivating. The chance for some athletes to get that first step onto the international stage in front of an incredible and supportive home crowd will help them so much and be a real benefit to their career development moving forward. The sharing of their knowledge and experiences from these games will undoubtedly help the next generation of athletes coming through. Overall, the games give belief to upcoming athletes that international sport can be achievable for them as well.” Josh said.

To find out how you can get started as a volunteer in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

13/07/2026

Mary Wilson: Daring To Dream.

Mary’s Road to Glasgow

This summer in Glasgow, the Commonwealth Games will take centre stage, with international sport being showcased at the highest level. However, surrounding the sport this summer, will be stories of resilience, determination and individuals with a deep love of sport.

Mary Wilson’s journey is most certainly one of these, signing up for the army when she was in her twenties, having twenty years of service, before being medically discharged due to multiple sclerosis, going on to be a competitive athlete, and having recently recovered from cancer.

Coming into 2026, the Commonwealth Games were at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and Mary was no exception, allowing herself to imagine about pulling on a Scotland jersey, she said: “Before I was selected, I dared to dream that I could possibly make the team.”

With the Commonwealth Games being a flagship event, many athletes have based their training programmes around qualifying and performing in Glasgow, and Mary believes her grit and determination whilst training is one of the reasons she has made it to the competition “Basically it has just been hard work. From the bowler I was last year, to the bowler I am this year, I’ve made a massive improvement, I’m miles better than I was, and that is pretty much just down to practicing.”

In 2004, Mary’s career in the Armed Forces came to a sudden stop, being medically discharged on account of her multiple sclerosis. Following this, Mary went on a journey of discovery in sport, which led to her competing in both the Warrior and Invictus Games, along with revisiting badminton, a sport she played competitively in her youth. Rekindling the badminton fire proved to be fruitful, with Mary having a incredibly successful career, accumulating over 50 caps for Scotland.

Reflecting on her experiences competing in the Warrior and Invictus Games, Mary is incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and more so, what being in a team environment with other para athletes taught her about survival “It changed me. It made me realise that I’m not annoyed about having multiple sclerosis, It’s given me a new direction.” Mary said.

Although Mary has been surrounded by bowls her whole life, often going to the local bowling club as a child to watch her dad compete. It wasn’t until 2015 that she had one of her first experiences playing, since then Mary has had a remarkable rise in the sport.

The link between Mary’s late father, and his love of the sport she now represents Scotland in, provides Mary with an extra desire to be at the top of her game this summer, she commented: “It was actually my dad who got me into bowling, and he passed away in 2016. I just wish he could see how far I’ve come.”

“This one is definitely for him, if we medal in the Commonwealth Games, I think there will be a few tears, it will be pretty emotional, because it was all down to him really.”

At the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Mary Wilson will be partnered by former Commonwealth Gold medal winner, Pauline Wilson (no relation!), as they prepare to compete in the B6/8 Pairs competition. Since joining forces two years ago, Pauline and Mary have seen some great successes, including making it to the final of Bowls Scotland’s European Open, winning National Championships gold, and Four Nations Para Women’s Pairs gold. However, Mary puts their ability to build a strong partnership in a relatively short amount of time down to the relationship they have developed “We understand each other really well. She is a brilliant bowler, you know, she was one of the gold medalist at the last Commonwealth Games. We just communicate and get each other, which is a massive part of being a team.”

Armed with a strong partnership, and the will to represent her father in Glasgow, Mary has her goals for the competition firmly set in her mind, stating: “I have two goals, one is to play the best I’ve ever played, and two is to win a gold medal with my partner Pauline, for us and for Scotland.”

With friends and family planning on attending the Scottish Events Campus(SEC), to watch Mary and Pauline kick start their campaign, Mary finds herself being full of pride at the prospect of representing Team Scotland “I’m so proud to wear the thistle or tartan of Scotland. Because for me, Scotland means everything.” Said Mary.

Along with having opportunities to travel and represent her family and Scotland, Mary has been impacted by sport throughout her life, she said: “Truthfully I think sport has kept me going. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have sport, and my Physiotherapist said that if I didn’t have sport, and I wasn’t as fit as I could be, I’d be in a wheelchair.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

13/07/2026

Garry Brown: Preparing to defend Para Bowls title on home turf.

As the clock hand ticks forward, second by second, Garry Brown waits to defend his Commonwealth title. Being selected to represent Team Scotland for a third time is not something that Garry is taking lightly, with Glasgow 2026 already setting up to be a career highlight.

Garry will be arriving at Glasgow 2026 as reigning B6-B8 Pairs champion, a title that he successfully claimed in Birmingham, whilst partnered up with team-mate Kevin Wallace. cccAlong with having an opportunity to launch a title defence, the 2026 iteration of the Commonwealth Games has a lot more to offer, with Garry having the chance to represent Team Scotland in Scotland.

Being a passionate Scot, Garry has had the Glasgow-based Games in his mind since they were announced. Making the news of being selected overwhelmingly hard not to share, he said: “We actually found out a couple of weeks prior to the team being released, and we basically got told, ‘look keep it under wraps, don’t tell anybody’, and that’s probably the hardest thing I’ve done.”

However, the Para Bowls squad for the Games has been announced, and Garry is full of pride at the prospect of playing for Team Scotland in another Commonwealth Games “The only time you get to pull on a Scotland jersey is either World Championships or Commonwealth Games, for me the Commonwealth Games are the pinnacle of bowls.” The 43-year-old said.

Glasgow 2026 will mark the first time the Para Bowls competition will be played indoors, with all previous games having it as part of their outdoor events programme. Garry feels like this could provide an advantage to the Scottish team, packing a passionate home crowd indoors, he commented: “It’s going to be special, the majority of the crowd are going to be supporting us.”

“it’s going to be like having an extra team member, because they are just going to cheer everything, every time we play a good bowl the roof is going to get raised up.”

Take the excitement of a home games, and large crowd out of the picture, and you will find out that Garry is arriving with one thing on his mind, winning a second B6/B8 Pairs title, alongside his partner Stuart Sloam “Gold for me is the dream, that must be everybody’s dream I take it, and being involved in high-level sport all my days, I know what it takes to win gold. I know that me and Stuart will be more than ready.”

Growing up with cerebral palsy, Garry was a keen athlete, being a devoted footballer and swimmer. However, it was a chat with former Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Chairperson, and leading disability sport influencer, Richard Brickley OBE MBE, that persuaded Garry to attempt a move onto the Para Bowls scene. Of course, a move that has proved fruitful, as Garry has gone on to win multiple international medals.

Although, it is the performance on the 2^nd of August 2022, in Birmingham, that will be one of the most memorable moments of Garry’s career “Anytime I get the chance to pull on the Scotland jersey is a real highlight. But obviously the biggest highlight is winning the gold medal in 2022 in Birmingham”

Looking back at Kevin and his victory four years ago, not only has Garry been remembering it fondly, but it has become a massive source of motivation for the man from South Lanarkshire “Knowing I was in the team, I actually went back and watched the final three times, just so I could go, ‘I really want this again’”.

Garry and Stuart will still be a relatively new pairing by the time Glasgow 2026 rolls around. Though Garry is convinced that won’t be an issue for the B6/B8 Pair, knowing they will both do whatever it takes to be at the top of their game come the competition, he said: “By the time we hit Glasgow we will be practicing every weekend together, or whenever we can around work, we’re just going to get better and better.”

The Games may provide an amazing opportunity for Garry and Stuart to write their names in Commonwealth history. However, they will offer a lot more. With family, friends, coaches and former team-mates in the crowd, the pair have an opportunity to show what a lifetime of support has meant “Me and Stuart aren’t just doing it for us, it’s not about us, it’s about everybody. The minute you pull that Scotland jersey on it’s about everybody who has ever come and watched you, everybody who has ever helped you.” Garry said.

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

13/07/2026

Defying the odds: Faye Rogers on representing Scotland.

This summer in Glasgow the Commonwealth Games will take centre stage, with athletes world over flocking to the west coast of Scotland, in search of writing their names into Commonwealth history. However, the latest iteration of the Games will see athletes competing with all types of motivating factors.

For Faye Rogers, Glasgow 2026 will provide her with an opportunity to represent Scotland, and those that have supported her throughout her life. Whilst showing the world over that having a disability hasn’t changed what is possible.

Coming into the year, the focus was on rounding into form for Glasgow, and due to the Commonwealth Games’s qualification system, working off of rankings, everyone knew where they stood. However, qualifying wasn’t enough, all athletes needed to be selected, and with Faye qualifying for both Scotland and England, she had a decision to make.

Choosing to represent Team Scotland, and wear the thistle with pride, Faye commented: “It just felt right, my Dad’s family are all Scottish, and my Dad was very keen about me being Scottish. But, I live in Scotland, I train in Scotland, and all my team mates represent Scotland. It just felt like that was the team I identified with more.”

“My entire para journey has taken place in Scotland, I did grow up swimming in England, but I was living in Scotland when I got classified and, that whole journey has taken place here, and that might have contributed, honestly it just felt like the right decision.”

With the 2026 edition of the Games being based in Glasgow, all of Team Scotland’s athletes have an opportunity to compete in front of family, friends, and anyone who has supported them throughout their journey, something that Faye is excited about “The opportunity to race in Glasgow is really cool, with it being a home Games, they can all come and watch, and that is really special.”

At the 2024 Paris Summer Paralympic Games, Faye won S10 100m Butterfly gold, going on to announce herself on the world stage, something that she looks back on with an immense amount of pride. However, her favorite moment as an athlete came in 2025, and, it wasn’t about the silverware, it was about what it taught her “Actually for me my career highlight was trials in 2025, the British Swimming Championships, the 200m butterfly, which isn’t even a Paralympic event, and it was the first time that I had swam faster than I had done before my accident. I beat my able bodied PB (personal best) for that event, that was just huge for me, just to prove to myself I guess. I could acquire an impairment, and yes – I had to work so much harder – but I could swim faster than I ever did without an impairment, and that is pretty cool, that was huge for me.”

All of her achievements, including those in 2025, reminds Faye of the hard conversations that took place in 2021, following a car crash that she was involved in. Which resulted in considerable damage to her right arm “There was a time when I was told I would never be able to swim competitively again, certainly not at the level I was at, and I’ve proved that wrong. Not only am I swimming at a considerably higher level than I was, but I am actually doing it faster than I was.”

So far in 2026, Faye has hit the ground running, competing in the 2026 Para Swimming World Series, Berlin, where she delivered several world-class performances, breaking the European Record in the S10 100m Butterfly, and British Record in the S10 100m Freestyle, making her the first female British swimmer to finish under one minute in her classification (S10).

Boyed by her recent results, Faye is excited for Glasgow, feeling like the home crowd element of the upcoming Games will provide her with more confidence, she said: “The home crowd advantage is going to be crazy, I think, I raced French athletes in Paris, and just imagine if that crowd is cheering for you.”

“I’m really going to try and use it as fuel, rather than pressure, because at the end of the day, everyone is there because they want to see you do well.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

22/04/2026

Seven Scots Selected to Swim at Glasgow 2026

Team Scotland’s momentum towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues to pick up pace with the selection of a seven-strong line up in Para Swimming.

With Glasgow 2026 set to have the largest Parasport programme in Commonwealth Games history, four men and three women will make up Team Scotland’s Para Swimming team competing at Tollcross International Swimming Centre this summer. Toni Shaw is set for a third Games appearance with Team Scotland, while Stephen Clegg, Ollie Carter and Sam Downie return after debuts at Birmingham 2022. Making a first Commonwealth Games are James Clegg, Faye Rogers and Astrid Carroll.

At Paris 2024 Stephen Clegg (Lothian) delivered the first two Paralympic gold medals of his career in the S12 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke – setting a new World Record in the latter. A three-time Paralympian, having made his debut at Rio 2016, he also boasts a silver and two bronzes from Tokyo 2020.

Making his Commonwealth Games bow in 2022, Stephen secured a sensational silver in Birmingham in the S13 50m Freestyle, despite swimming up a classification.
Clegg said: “It’s such an honour to be selected for a Commonwealth Games and to have a home Games is such a rare opportunity. To have a crowd that is there for you is really special. As I’ve got older, I have learned to use the crowd in a much more effective way, and I think the atmosphere in Glasgow is going to be huge.”

Also a Paralympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, Faye Rogers (Aberdeen) won the S10 100m Butterfly and marking an incredible 12 months, that also saw her become World Champion in the same event on her major international debut. In 2025 she won a further five medals at her second World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore and will make her Team Scotland debut in Glasgow.

Rogers shared her excitement: “I’ve never competed for Team Scotland before so it’s my first Commonwealth Games and I feel very fortunate to get a home Games. I am most excited about it being in Glasgow and Scotland so that my family can come.”

There will be an incredible Commonwealth Games debut for London 2012 Paralympic medallist James Clegg (Lothian), following a triumphant return to the sport. A medallist at the World Championships in 2013, he makes his first international team in 13 years, joining brother Stephen for the first time. It’s a family affair for the Cleggs, with sister Libby a Paralympic champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in athletics.

Four years ago Toni Shaw (Aberdeen) took her first Commonwealth Games medal, clinching an opening night bronze in Birmingham in the S9 100m Freestyle. The Paralympic Games and World Championship medallist will be on the hunt for more silverware this summer.

Also returning to Team Scotland are Sam Downie (Lothian) and Ollie Carter (Fife). Sam – who made his international debut just months prior to Birmingham 2022 – was only 16 years old at his first Games, the youngest athlete on the team. He competed in the S9 100m Backstroke, swimming up a classification, and finishing in the top 6 in the event. Ollie took 7th place in Men’s 100m Butterfly S10 – entering poolside in a kilt, in an iconic moment at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

There will be a Commonwealth Games debut for Astrid Carroll, (Lothian) who burst onto the international Para swimming scene with a pair of medals at the 2025 World Championships, a silver in the SB12 100m Breaststroke and a bronze in the S12 100m Backstroke.

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all of the athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland at a home Games. We look forward to them representing their families, communities and country with pride in Glasgow this summer.

“There is a huge amount of experience in this Para Swimming team, in both our returning athletes and those making their Commonwealth Games debut. I look forward to watching these athletes deliver what I’m sure will be strong performances in Glasgow and wish them every success.”

Para Swimming will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre with competition running from 24 July to 29 July. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.

SELECTED ATHLETES
Astrid Carroll
Ollie Carter
James Clegg
Stephen Clegg
Sam Downie
Faye Rogers
Toni Shaw

24/02/2026

Paralympians Neil Fachie and Fin Graham selected for Team Scotland

Team Scotland’s momentum towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues to pick up pace with the selection of multiple World and Paralympic cycling medallists Neil Fachie MBE and Fin Graham MBE.

A 19-time World champion and four-time Paralympic Games medallist, Neil has cemented his place in Commonwealth Games history over the past three Games. Birmingham 2022 saw Neil, piloted by Lewis Stewart, win gold in the Time Trial and silver in the Sprint, making him the second most successful athlete in Team Scotland’s history with five gold and one silver medal.

At Glasgow 2026 he will be aiming to topple bowler Alex Marshall from the top of the list, who has five gold, one silver and one bronze.

Neil said: “In some ways it’s a bit of a surprise, given that I thought my cycling career might be over, but the lure of another Commonwealth Games in Scotland was pretty strong. I’m both excited and a little nervous about getting back into race shape and being on that start line, but excitement definitely wins.

“Some of my favourite moments of my cycling career have been with the Scottish team and the Commonwealth Games by nature is a fun competition anyway. The Scottish team spirit is always really strong and I love being part of the team first and foremost.

“Having a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow under my belt already, I know what it’s like, I know what it means and winning there was truly the best moment of my career.”

A lot has changed since those two golden weeks in 2014, Neil now has a full-time job and a three-year-old son putting demands on his time alongside training.

“It’s very different,” he added. “Having been a full-time athlete for 15 years, since Paris 2024 I haven’t really trained at all and I’m just getting back into it, trying to get back towards where I was. On the side I’m also going to be working full-time as well so I don’t have that luxury of six days a week to train like I normally would. I have to be smart about how I do it, but I’m confident that I can get back into medal winning shape and we’ll just see where the journey takes us.”

For Fin, Glasgow 2026 will be his first Commonwealth Games and, incredibly, his first time racing for Scotland at any level, but he comes in with a wealth of international success. At Paris 2024, he won his first Paralympic gold in the C1-3 Road Race, also taking silver in the Individual Pursuit on the track, to add to his two silver medals from Tokyo 2020. In 2025 he became the first Para athlete in history to win a fourth consecutive C3 road race world title and is also a fifteen-time medallist at the Track World Championships, including four gold. He’s had previous success on the very track he’ll race on this summer, winning gold in the Individual Pursuit at the World Championships in Glasgow in 2023.

Fin said: “It feels amazing. To have the opportunity to ride for Scotland in Scotland is something I never thought would happen, so to get that opportunity is a pinch me moment and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s been the top priority for training and motivation, so to have it confirmed is fantastic. It’s something that every athlete dreams of, competing in their home country, so it’s a dream come true.

“Being able to ride and celebrate a World title in front of a home crowd was special, doing that in a Scottish jersey will make it extra special.”

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “We are delighted to welcome two athletes of this calibre to Team Scotland for Glasgow 2026. Neil’s achievements speak for themselves and it’s exciting to see Fin making his Team Scotland debut after so much success on the World and Paralympic stage.

“Congratulations to both Fin and Neil, as well as their families, support teams and coaches, and we wish them well in their preparation over the coming months.”

Athletes from across all 10 sports and six para-sports featured at Glasgow 2026 will be selected in the coming months as Team Scotland shapes up for an exciting home Games.

04/02/2026

Bring the King’s Baton to Your Community in Scotland

Team Scotland is preparing to welcome the King’s Baton Relay ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and you can be part of the celebrations!

From Wednesday 1st July through to the Opening Ceremony on Thursday 23rd July, the Baton will travel across the country, visiting communities, events, and festivals to celebrate Team Scotland, sport, the Commonwealth, Scottish culture and the Games.

This year, the Relay has been reimagined to make it easier for communities to get involved. Rather than travelling continuously through streets, the Baton will use a hub-and-spoke model, bringing it to selected events across Scotland every day.

How to Host the Baton at Your Event

If you run a festival, sports activity, community gathering or other creative event, you can register your interest to host the Baton with via Glasgow 2026’s All In programme.

When you register, simply tick the box to share your event with Team Scotland. The KBR delivery team will review submissions and confirm which events will host the Baton by 30th April.

What the Baton Visit Looks Like

At selected events, the Baton can:

Be brought in by local Batonbearers or community heroes
Be displayed for attendees to hold, take photos and celebrate
Include content creation support, with imagery from the event available for your use
Feature current or former athletes, or a visit from Finnie, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Official Mascot, depending on availability

Themes and Ideas

We’re looking for creative and inclusive events that reflect the themes of sport and the Commonwealth. Events can be large or small, urban or rural. The more imaginative, the better!

We’re also incorporating activities that support the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, such as plastic and litter collections around Scottish waterways. Organisations that organise these activities are especially welcome.

Take Part in the Relay

This is your chance to bring the excitement of Glasgow 2026 to your community. Whether it’s a local sports event, a festival, a clean-up initiative, or another creative gathering, the Baton is coming to connect communities and celebrate Scottish and Commonwealth culture.

Decorate Scotland’s Baton

There are 74 Batons, one for each nation and territory in the Games. Each country will decorate their Baton to represent their nation and these will be united in Glasgow when the Kings welcome message to open the Games is read out to the world.

The Scotland Baton carries the word ‘gather’, a symbol of community, connection and celebration. Handmade in Glasgow by skilled makers from Galgæl and master craftsman Tim Norman, it’s a blank canvas waiting for Scotland’s creativity. Communities, artists, and schools are invited to apply to decorate and customise the Baton, leaving their mark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony.

Find out more about the open call for artists here: https://www.teamscotland.scot/kbr-scotland/kbr-decoration/

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history!

Glasgow Disability Sport – Job Opportunity

With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, it’s a great time to get involved in disability sport in Scotland.

An opportunity has come up with Glasgow Disability Sport who are lookin for a coordinator to join their team. They will co-ordinate and develop a range of physical activity and sport sessions and events for children, young people and adults with physical, learning and sensory disabilities across Glasgow and the West.

Find out more about the role and how to apply, here: https://wp.me/p7H0JE-aNz

SDS Call to Action

Scottish Disability Sport has launched a four-point Call to Action that calls on organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.

The four-point Call to Action follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

More information about the Call to Action is available on the SDS website homepage. You can view the full report, here.

#InspiringThroughInclusion

08/01/2025

Glasgow 2026 Announces Senior Team for Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has today announced the executive team who will lead the organisation to deliver the 23rd Commonwealth Games in the summer of 2026.

Phil Batty has been appointed Chief Executive Officer to deliver the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games alongside a senior team with a wealth of expertise and experience
of delivering major sporting events in Scotland. Jade Gallagher has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer; Faye Shaw, joins as Chief Financial and Corporate Services Officer; Louisa Mahon joins as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; and Martin Fitchie joins as Chief Information Officer.

Glasgow 2026 will take place from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 and feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor of the
city. The Games are being delivered by the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company in partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Batty joins Glasgow 2026 with a strong and impressive track record in major event delivery having previously been Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen’s Baton Relay for the
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In his role as CEO of SKYMAGIC, a world-leading drone light show business, Batty has worked internationally to deliver a programme of
global shows and events. He brings significant experience of realising the social impact from events, having held senior positions for the UK City of Culture programme and as
Board member of Spirit of 2012, the London Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Funder.

Batty is looking forward to leading Glasgow 2026, “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, for what is set to be a unique
and truly special Games. Glasgow and Scotland have such a strong reputation in delivering world-class major events and I am confident we will be a brilliant host for the 23rd
Commonwealth Games.

“Delivering the Games is a team effort, which will bring over £100m of inward investment into the city, and I am looking forward to working with such a hugely talented workforce,
experienced network of suppliers, partners, and local communities to bring the vision for Glasgow 2026 to life.

“Delivering at pace and without public funding, means that we, as an Organising Company, and our partners, need to think differently and innovatively. Glasgow 2026 will be fuelled by
the legacy of 2014 – venues, talent and expertise – and of course the world-renowned Glasgow welcome. As we prepare for next year, we are determined to create an accessible
and inclusive Games for both local communities and international visitors alike.”

Jade Gallagher joins Glasgow 2026 as Chief Operating Officer, having formerly been Championships Director of the hugely successful World Athletics Indoor Championships
held in Glasgow last year, and having held senior event operations roles at Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, including working on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships,
COP26, the 2018 European Championships and Festival 2014 as part of the previous Commonwealth Games in the city.

Louisa Mahon joins the Organising Company as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer from Renfrewshire Council, where she was Head of Marketing, Communications and
Events. Louisa was a member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team and directed cultural regeneration in Renfrewshire, including leading the campaign for Paisley’s Bid for
UK’s City of Culture in 2021.

Faye Shaw, who was Managing Director of Serco Business Services and CFO of VIVO Defence Services, has significant commercial, operational and financial expertise and will oversee
the corporate services of Glasgow 2026.

Martin Fitchie brings a wealth of Games expertise to Glasgow 2026, having worked as the Head of Results Technology Services for Glasgow 2014 and subsequently across a wide
range of multi-sport events and championships in Scotland. Martin has been a key part of the working group that developed the Glasgow 2026 concept, and has a deep knowledge of all the excellent work undertaken to date to prepare venues in the city for major events and for 2026, ensuring continuity of planning and enabling the Organising Company to continue to move quickly and build on the strong foundations and business collectively set in motion.

George Black CBE, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, said; ‘We welcome Phil, Jade, Louisa, Faye and Martin, to their new roles on the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company
executive team. This is a hugely talented and experienced major events team, and I am looking forward to working closely with them bring the vision for Glasgow 2026 to life.

“We have brought together a passionate and skilled team with a real mix of experience to ensure that we will deliver the best possible Games for the people of Glasgow, Scotland
and the Commonwealth.”

Katie Sadleir NZOM, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Federation said; “We are delighted that the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has secured such an experienced
senior leadership team to help deliver the Games, and we look forward to working closely with Phil and his colleagues. Having the leadership team in place is an important milestone
as we continue our journey with confidence towards Glasgow 2026.’

22/10/2024

Commonwealth Games Federation Confirms Glasgow as 2026 Commonwealth Games Hosts

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is pleased to officially confirm Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across
each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around
3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para
Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.

Credit: Glasgow 2026

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be
housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city.

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. 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.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’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 Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

“There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage.

“The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own
terms.”

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06/02/2017

Grampian Para-Bowls Development Day

When: Saturday 25th March, 2017 – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Where: Garioch Indoor Bowling Club, Harlaw Business Centre, Harlaw Road, Inverurie AB51 4FR

No cost to attend.

Scottish Disability Sport are working in partnership with Garioch Indoor Bowling Club to deliver a -para-bowls “taster session” for all players with a physical, learning or sensory impairment.

Are you interested in starting a new sport or physical activity?
Are you interested in representing your country at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games?
This may be the opportunity you have been looking for …

This event will invite players to come along and work with experienced coaches in the world of para-bowls, providing the opportunity to learn new skills. All abilities welcome!

For more information or to register your interest in the day, please contact Claire McDonald on 07533 056 564 or email claire.mcdonald@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Please note, players attending must bring appropriate footwear to access the playing surface (bowls shoes, flat soled infoor trainers, plimsoles, slippers, etc.). Please get in touch for further information.