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A record number of Para-sports have been confirmed for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games among an action-packed programme featuring 22 sports and 26 disciplines in a move welcomed by Paralympics Australia.
The Commonwealth Games Federation, Victorian Government and Commonwealth Games Australia today revealed the nine Para-sports that will feature in 2026, surpassing the eight included at the Birmingham Games earlier this year.
Para-shooting will appear for the first-time, alongside the existing sports of Para-athletics, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, Para-cycling, Para-lawn bowls, Para-powerlifting, Para-swimming, Para-table tennis and Para-triathlon.
Victoria 2026 is also proposing to add in Para-sport disciplines in golf, coastal rowing and the cycling road race and will work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant international sporting federations to determine if this is possible.
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark said today’s announcement was further evidence of the growth and popularity of Para-sport.
“The integration of Para-sport has been a major success for the Commonwealth Games and while it comes as no surprise, it is very pleasing that the tremendous value of increasing the presence of Para-sport has been embraced for 2026,” Clark said.
“Australian athletes in those nine Para-sports now have an incredible opportunity to compete on home soil in front of what we hope will be huge crowds throughout regional Victoria.
“For many Para-athletes, Victoria 2026 will be a major stepping stone on the green and gold runway to the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028 and ultimately, Brisbane 2032. For Paralympics Australia, we see immense opportunity to lift Para-sport to new heights, attract a new generation of athletes and bring our passionate supporters along the runway with us..”
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It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
“Commonwealth Games Australia is delighted with the inclusion of the new sports and disciplines for Victoria 2026 to take the Games into an exciting new era. This is set to inspire a whole new wave athletes to realise their dream over the next four years. CGA can’t wait to welcome the athletes who will represent Australia in pursuit of glory in 2026,” Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said.
Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin said: “We are thrilled to confirm the Sport Program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the additional sports proposed by Victoria 2026 completing an exciting and diverse line-up.
“The Program is rooted in the CGF’s 2026-30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides hosts with greater flexibility to propose new sports, especially ones with specific local relevance that will enhance cultural showcasing and increase community engagement.”
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Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan said: “Victoria 2026 will deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games for all Victorians and showcasing all our state has to offer.’’
Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Shaun Leane said: “The Games will deliver a blend of contemporary, traditional and Para sports, promoting diversity and inclusion.”
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 6 October 2022
Image: Con Chronis for Commonwealth Games Australia
