Latest news with #Glasgow2026CommonwealthGames
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Clyde rules himself out as Glasgow 2026 Games mascot
Clyde, who was the face of the 2014 Games, confirmed he will not return, ending months of speculation. However, he assured fans that he will find a new role next summer. A spokesperson for Glasgow 2026 read a statement on Clyde's behalf, saying: "Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen. (Image: Craig Watson) "To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for. "So, for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what's about to come – I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026." Read more: 'This is not acceptable': Paisley summit tackles rising abuse of shopworkers The new mascot, created by 76 schoolchildren, will be unveiled on July 23, marking one year until the Games begin. Phil Batty OBE, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: "Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public, for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland. "He's given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world. "We're excited that Clyde will have a role to play at Glasgow 2026, and can't wait to share what it is." The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in a 10-sport programme across four of the city's iconic venues. More than 200 medals will be up for grabs across 11 days.
The Herald Scotland
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Clyde confirms no return for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Thistle mascot officially declared himself as taking a backseat, but he will be taking on a new role for Glasgow 2026. The slimmer down games will return to Glasgow next year and Clyde will remain on hand to help the new mascot. Clyde's statement was read by a Glasgow 2026 spokesperson, who said: 'Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen. 'To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for. Read More Swinney speaks of 'huge benefits' from Commonwealth Games on milestone day 'So for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what's about to come – that I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026.' The new mascot is to be revealed on July 23 to mark one year until the game begins and will remain a secret until then. It has been created by the Glasgow 2026 Mascot Makers which is a team of 76 schoolchildren from 24 Glasgow schools. They have worked in collaboration with the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, Glasgow City Council, Impact Arts and creative agency 999 to create a character said to be 'full of Glasgow's signature warmth, wit and charm'. Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: 'Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland. He's given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world. 'Imagined by the young people of Glasgow to shine on the world stage, this new character captures everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, inclusion, pride and progress. We can't wait to unveil them to the world later this month. 'We're excited that Clyde will have a role to play at Glasgow 2026, and can't wait to share what it is!' The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026 and will feature more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing in an exhilarating 10 sport programme, across four of the city's iconic venues.
STV News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Clyde the Thistle rules out return for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Clyde the Thistle has ruled himself out of returning for the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasgow in a tongue-in-cheek press conference. A spokesperson for the Scottish mascot, who featured throughout the 2014 Games, announced Clyde's departure at Glasgow's Social Hub – however they said he will still have a role to play in next year's sporting event. Created by Cumbernauld schoolgirl Beth Gilmour, 12, who won a children's competition to design the mascot, Clyde featured throughout the 2014 Games. The Clyde trail saw 25 statues of the mascot placed throughout Glasgow and over 50,000 cuddly toys of Clyde were sold. Clyde was the first non-animal mascot chosen for a Commonwealth Games. The statement read: 'Friends, fellow Glaswegians and distinguished members of the press – I come before you today around my involvement in next summer's Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. It has such a place in the heart of this city and in Scotland. SNS Group Clyde the Thistle SNS Group 'It was a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for; one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow ever seen. 'Without giving away too much, I'm so excited about this next chapter in Glasgow's association with the famous Commonwealth Games. 'I will have a part to play in Glasgow 2026 with more to be revealed soon and I know you're going to love it.' Glasgow was announced as the Games host for the second time last year after the original host, the Australian state of Victoria, was forced to withdraw. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2 next year. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
King to launch Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Baton Relay
King Charles will launch the King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace later, ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. It is the 18th official Commonwealth Games relay and marks 500 days until the event begins on 23 July next year. He will hand the baton to champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy - the first bearer on its journey around the world. The relay, which begins in London as a part of Commonwealth Day celebrations, will be the King's first as head of the Commonwealth. Following Sir Chris Hoy, the next three baton bearers will be wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn, ocean plastics campaigner Keiran Healy and Trinidad & Tobago judo athlete Gabriella Wood - who studies at the University of Stirling. Trinidad & Tobago will be the first destination for the relay. The King will place a sealed message into the baton. It will remain inside until the opening ceremony when will be read out to mark the start of games. Meanwhile, First Minister John Swinney will be in London later to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service of celebration at Westminster Abbey. Swinney said the games were a "huge opportunity for Scotland on the world stage". He added: "Glasgow already has a tremendous record for hosting, receiving international recognition for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. "Glasgow 2026 will bring huge economic benefits to the city and support upgrades to sporting facilities - benefitting individuals, communities and clubs." The event will take place in Glasgow from 23rd July to 2nd August next year. It will feature a 10-sport programme with athletes from 74 nations and territories. Glasgow was announced as the host of the 2026 Games after the Australian state of Victoria - which had been due to host - withdrew over rising costs. The deal was secured after the Scottish government agreed to back it and the Victoria state administration promised a £2.3m investment. Scottish government minister Neil Gray said at the time the fact that the city was asked to step in and host the games was a "testament to Glasgow and Scotland's fantastic reputation for hosting international events". Organisers have stated the Games will come at no cost to the Scottish public purse, with funding coming from compensation paid to the Commonwealth Games Federation after the Australians pulled out. The UK government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat but has said it will not completely underwrite the Games. The 10-sport Glasgow Games will be a scaled-back version of the last time the city played host in 2014. The overall number of sports has halved from 20 in Birmingham in 2022 to combat rising hosting costs and time demands. However, more than 200 gold medals will still be contested at venues within an eight-mile corridor of the city. Swimming, track cycling and Para sports will each boast more medallists than in any of the previous 22 iterations of the Games. And athletics will have two new events - the mixed 4x400m relay and the Commonwealth Mile, which replaces the 1500m. Para sports will be fully integrated across six of the 10 disciplines, with a Games record of 47 medal events in total. A total of 26 cycling golds will be fought for at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, with eight of those in Para-track cycling. That is double the amount on offer three years ago. And 56 will be on offer at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, with the men's 800m and women's 1500m freestyle races included for the first time. Mile races will be among more than 200 Glasgow 2026 golds 'Big names hugely positive about Commonwealth Games' Multiple host cities possible for future Commonwealth Games
