Canada has assembled a team of top athletes for the Commonwealth Games, although there are fewer medals up for grabs this year. The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games is set to kick off in Glasgow on Thursday and will run until August 2. This year, the event features a reduced sports program, with approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 countries and territories participating.
The opening ceremony coverage will commence on Thursday, starting with a pre-ceremony show at 2:30 p.m. ET, hosted by CBC Sports’ Andi Petrillo and Paralympic cycling medallist Nathan Clement. Following this, live coverage of the opening ceremony will be broadcast on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, and CBC at 3 p.m. ET.
Glasgow stepped in to host the Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, withdrew in 2023 due to escalating costs. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, boxing, judo, and more. Notably, Glasgow will host the largest Para sport program in the history of the Games.
The Commonwealth Games will incorporate Para sport into the countries’ medal standings. The event in Glasgow will see the exclusion of certain sports like triathlon, beach volleyball, and diving that were part of the 2022 Birmingham Games. With 215 medal events in Glasgow compared to 280 in Birmingham, the focus is on delivering quality sport in a more sustainable manner.
The Canadian team, comprising 149 athletes, includes both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents. From Olympic champion sprinter Andre De Grasse to decorated weightlifter Maude Charron, the team is poised for success. Erica Wiebe, Canada’s chef de mission and Olympic champion wrestler, emphasizes the significance of the Commonwealth Games in preparing athletes for future competitions.
For athletes like gymnast Ellie Black and swimmer Kylie Masse, Glasgow serves as a crucial stepping stone in their careers. Black views the Games as an opportunity to compete without the intense pressure of the Olympics, while Masse aims to use the event to fine-tune her skills for upcoming challenges.
Canada has a history of performing well in the Commonwealth Games, often ranking third in the overall medal count behind Australia and England. Despite the reduced number of events, the Canadian team is determined to maintain its strong position. Live coverage of the Games will be available on CBC and CBC Gem, as well as on various online platforms.