The 23rd Commonwealth Games are open! The competition is in full swing in Glasgow, which is hosting the competition until August 2Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare delivered a powerful speech at the opening ceremony at the Hydro Arena on Thursday evening. It's great to be back. These reimagined Games were made possible thanks to the extraordinary legacy of 2014 And to a city that welcomes us once again with warmth and open arms. Thank you for everything you have done to allow us to be here. " he stressed, as Glasgow took over the organization of the event in 2023, in an emergency.
What a night 🤩
— Glasgow 2026 (@Glasgow_2026) July 23, 2026
Thank you to everyone for watching - enjoy the Commonwealth Games!#Glasgow2026 pic.twitter.com/3ab6i3UenF
« Over the next eleven days, 74 nations and territoriesThousands of athletes and fans, along with countless cultures and stories, will come together, united by a simple idea: Sport has the power to bring people togetherIn a world that can sometimes seem divided, this matters more than ever. Tonight, all flags are equal. Every athlete carries the hopes of their nation. Every volunteer, every official, and every fan is part of a project that transcends them. " insists Rukare.
« Records will be broken, medals won, champions crowned, and Somewhere in this city, a young person will watch an athlete and silently say to themselves, "One day, that will be me." This is the true legacy of these Games. To all Commonwealth athletes… you have already accomplished something extraordinary by being here. Fight hard, be generous in victory, graceful in defeat, wear your colours with pride and forge strong bonds. friendships for lifeThe Commonwealth encourages you, because you are truly the best of ourselves. »
