The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is on the horizon, and with it comes an opportunity to enhance a vital aspect of the sporting landscape: the integration of parasports.
Glasgow 2014 set the stage, becoming a benchmark for inclusion, and now the 2026 Games will aim to further this agenda. Beyond the competitive thrill and medal tallies, Glasgow 2026 has the potential to elevate the role of parasports as a catalyst for social change, and promote more accessible infrastructure and urban renewals by improving existing buildings.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was transformative in the history of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), especially in its treatment of parasports. Described as the "stand-out Games in the history of the movement" by the CGF, Glasgow 2014 was groundbreaking not only because of the large-scale participation of disabled athletes but also because of the full integration of parasports into the main event schedule. Rather than being a separate side event, para-athletes competed alongside their able-bodied peers, with medals counted within the overall Games tally. Events in athletics, cycling, powerlifting, swimming, and lawn bowls highlighted this integration, setting a powerful precedent.
The Commonwealth Games is unique in its seamless blending of able-bodied and para-athletes. This model goes beyond merely offering an inclusive stage; it celebrates diversity by positioning disabled athletes as equals, competing in the same spotlight. Glasgow 2014 embodied this ideal, and the legacy of this inclusivity continues to influence other major international events, as well as regional and national policies in Scotland.
The legacy of infrastructure and accessibility from Glasgow 2014 is a powerful testament to how mega sporting events can drive meaningful societal change. The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games set a new standard, with its commitment to creating accessible venues and promoting inclusivity, particularly through the integration of parasports.
As Glasgow gears up for the 2026 Games, there is an opportunity to build on this foundation, focusing on enhancing public spaces, upgrading facilities to meet International Paralympic Committee (IPC) standards, and fostering a more inclusive environment. By prioritising accessible infrastructure, Glasgow 2026 can ensure that the city becomes a model for accessibility, benefiting both athletes and the wider community for years to come.
A significant portion of Glasgow 2026's parasport legacy will revolve around physical accessibility and infrastructure. With the city's buildings and venues likely to be already accessible, the focus will be on making the host region more accessible than ever.
Glasgow 2014 left behind a legacy of world-class, accessible sports venues that have served the community ever since. From the Emirates Arena, Scotstoun Stadium to the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, these venues not only facilitate elite competition but also act as community hubs, offering opportunities for local residents to engage in physical activity.
Glasgow 2026 will likely build on this momentum, emphasising the importance of accessible tourism. Fully inclusive tourism is not only a key feature for visitors during the Games but is also a driving force in urban renewal efforts. This entails refurbishing existing buildings and ensuring that the city's communication about disability is clear and comprehensive.
The importance of accessible infrastructure goes beyond sport. For people with disabilities, public spaces that are navigable and welcoming can be the difference between full societal participation and exclusion. Glasgow 2026 can be a model for how cities can evolve into universally accessible spaces. The Games' legacy could extend far beyond the field of play, into urban planning and tourism, turning Glasgow into a model of inclusivity for future international events.
Mega sporting events have long been celebrated for their potential to inspire and unite, but their true impact lies in their ability to drive lasting social change. The forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games offers an opportunity to approach this with a more streamlined, sustainable vision.
Rather than focusing solely on grandeur, the Games will emphasize sustainability, urban renewal, and accessible infrastructure. By prioritising eco-friendly practices and revitalising existing city spaces, Glasgow 2026 aims to create a lasting legacy that benefits local communities, enhances accessibility, and promotes inclusive growth. This leaner approach highlights how major events can serve as catalysts for meaningful transformation, both socially and environmentally.
By embedding parasports into the heart of the Games, Glasgow 2026 could continue the work started in 2014, influencing community attitudes toward disability and promoting more inclusive societal norms. In this context, parasports offer more than just competitive opportunities; they represent a broader movement towards social inclusion and equity. This focus can also help combat some of the ingrained stigmas and biases that people with disabilities continue to face, promoting a more positive and respectful understanding of disability.
The forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games represents a crucial opportunity to build upon the strong parasports legacy of the 2014 Games. By focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and societal attitudes toward disability, the Games can have a lasting impact, not only in Scotland but across the Commonwealth.
Glasgow 2026 has the potential to further embed parasport into the mainstream and ensure that the city remains a leading destination for inclusive, world-class sporting events. If leveraged correctly, Glasgow 2026 will be remembered as much for its role in shaping attitudes and infrastructure as for the medals won.
Julie McElroy was a columnist for the Glasgow Evening Times during the two-year build-up towards Glasgow 2024 and was also a Research Associate with the University of the West of Scotland, Mount Royal University and University of Western Ontario looking at leveraging parasport events for sustainable community participation in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
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