Two city solution proposed for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Wednesday 29 November 2023

The 2026 Commonwealth Games could be saved by a new Australian proposal to hold it across two cities.

Victoria pulled out of hosting the Games blaming costs and no firm solution has emerged since, while Alberta, Canada has also decided against hosting the 2030 event.

The Games are a key target for Guernsey’s elite athletes as they can represent the island on the international stage.

Alastair Chalmers and Lucy Beere brought home medals from Birmingham 2022.

Pictured: Lucy Beere won silver at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Australia’s richest person, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, has now proposed a two-city bid with the Gold Coast and Perth in a letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which was also signed by Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas. 

The letter described the Victorian government’s decision to cancel the 2026 games as “a huge blow to Australia’s reputation and to our athletes”.

“Australia is meant to be viewed as a successful G20 nation, that we can’t organise and fund a Commonwealth Games undermines that reputation,” the letter says.

“As you know, the history of the Commonwealth Games – which is made up of over 70 nations and territories – is a source of immense pride for many around the world. And an important opportunity to invite commonwealth heads to Australia.”

The letter said the Games were important for both able-bodied and Para athletes, while the Gold Coast and Perth both have “world-class pre-existing facilities and warm hospitality”.

It added that the Games would “inject capital into the national and local economies with “improved infrastructure, increased tourism and much needed business flow on”, as well as opportunities to host world leaders from across the Commonwealth to improve relations.

“We believe that saving the Commonwealth Games via a dual city approach would be popular and in the national interest, and would not only bring huge benefits to our athletes and cities, but also lasting advantages to our nation.”