POSING: Commonwealth Games mascot Finnie makes an appearance at Ardrossan Marina (Image: North Ayrshire Council)
Ayrshire has been looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow which begins tonight, and local athletes have also been building the excitement.
What has been labelled the “slimmed down” games, that were originally to be staged in Victoria, Australia, the events will see local talent on show across a variety of sports ranging from boxing, to bowls, to weightlifting, and swimming.
Sports and local organisations across the region have played their part in the build-up, including UWS Ayr Campus and the Killie Community Trust hosting the arrival of the Kings Baton through its national tour.
North Ayrshire Council ensured they will be keeping an eye out for local athletes and will be cheering them on throughout their journey of the events lasting from today (23 July) until 2 August.
UNVEILING: The Kings Baton made an appearance at UWS Ayr Campus this week (Image: University of the West of Scotland)
Athletes themselves have spoke publicly about their excitement in participating in the events.
Four-time British boxing champion Brooke Neely, who attends Irvine Vineburgh Boxing Club, believes this latest opportunity is “a dream come true” for her career.
Speaking to Team Scotland last month, Ardrossan-born Neely said: “I feel like it’s the pinnacle of my career and that I’ve worked my whole life towards this since I first walked into the boxing gym.
“It’s always been talked about Commonwealth Games, but being here now it just feels real. Walking out at the opening ceremony will make it feel even more real having a big home crowd and all the support there.
“Having that crowd in Scotland, we need as much support as possible to cheer us on and hopefully push us to get a medal.”
FINGERS CROSSED: Ayrshire’s own Brooke Neely is dreaming of boxing success at the Games (Image: Team Scotland)
Swimmer Duncan Scott, who began his career in South Ayrshire, seconds Neely’s praise for the Scottish crowd and how they can get them over the line for a medal.
He said: “The momentum is really starting to build and the Games are coming around fast.
“I have fond memories of 2014; the way the country got behind all the athletes, and how Team Scotland responded to that in terms of success.
“The Scottish fans always bring something different, and with the Commonwealth Games coming back to Glasgow next year, hopefully they will bring the excitement once again.”
Both athletes will compete in their respective competitions over the coming week, starting with Scott in the swimming at Tollcross tomorrow and Neely in boxing held at the SEC Hall 5 on Saturday.
The opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games begins this evening at Glasgow’s Hydro in what is the city’s first time of hosting the event since 2014.
14 gold medal finals will take place tomorrow to kick off the games, starting with the men’s Artistic Gymnastics.
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