Glasgow Games and sports ministers celebrate inclusion, partnership and Commonwealth unity

Glasgow became the focus of Commonwealth sport diplomacy last week as ministers, athletes and partners came together on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Photo credit: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Together, the Commonwealth Sport GAPS Programme, the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting and the Secretary-General’s medal presentation at the Games underscored one message: sport can advance inclusion, opportunity and cooperation across the Commonwealth.

Inclusion in action

On 21 July, the Commonwealth Sport Gather, Adjust, Prepare and Sustain (GAPS) Programme brought ministers, 37 Para athletes, their coaches and sporting partners to the University of the West of Scotland to showcase inclusive pathways in sport.

The camp highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Para athletes and coaches, particularly women and girls with disabilities, to participate, lead and compete.

Ministers advance collaboration and equality in sport

Sports ministers and senior officials gathered for the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting on Wednesday 22 July. Held under the theme Reimagining the power of sport towards healthier, fairer and equitable Commonwealth communities, the meeting set out a renewed vision for sport in the Commonwealth, shaped by stronger partnerships, innovation and investment.

A key moment was the signing of the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Scottish Government, marking a shared commitment to advancing gender equality and equity for women and girls in and through sport.

The signing emphasised the need for practical action to make sport more inclusive, from grassroots participation to leadership and achieving high-performance in sport.

The spirit of the Games was also reflected during the ministerial, with the King’s Baton and Games mascot Finny joining and bringing colour and energy to the meeting.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Vice-Patron of Commonwealth Sport, gave a keynote address where he stressed the importance of protecting our young people while reaffirming the mutual respect and cooperation across the Commonwealth family.

Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey attended her first Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony since taking office in April 2025. She also presented medals after the women’s 400m swimming event, celebrating athletes whose performances embodied the determination, excellence and unity at the heart of the Games.

Looking ahead

From the GAPS Camp, to the ministerial, to the medal podium, the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, partnership and opportunity through sport was on full display in Glasgow.

Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in November, the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games and the centenary Commonwealth Games in India in 2030, Glasgow has set a strong example of how sport can continue to build healthier, fairer and more connected communities.