Rukare officiates at his first Commonwealth Games

Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, officiated his first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he was elected to the role in November 2025.

At the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Games, Rukare, an experienced sports leader, human rights lawyer, and the first president from Africa, sat in the Royal Box at the Ovo Hydro arena alongside His Majesty King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other dignitaries.

Wearing a traditional Scottish Wallace tartan kilt, Rukare welcomed participants and highlighted that these reimagined Games are possible due to the legacy of Glasgow 2014 and the city's continued warm hospitality, stating it welcomes ‘us with warm hearts and open arms.'

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare (4th left-front row), His Majesty King Charles and the other diginitaries at the openeing ceremony. Courtesy photo.

“I hope you will indulge me as I wear this Wallace tartan, reimagined in the colours of my home country, Uganda, in tribute to the brave hearts of Glasgow and Scotland who stepped forward to host these Games. Thank you for everything you have done to bring us here,” Rukare stated.

“For the next eleven days, seventy-four nations and territories, thousands of athletes and supporters, and countless cultures and stories come together, united by one simple idea: that sport has the power to bring people together. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, that matters more than ever.

“Tonight, every flag is equal. Every athlete carries the hopes of their nation. Every volunteer, official, and supporter becomes part of something bigger than themselves. That is Commonwealth Sport ... not just competition but connection, not only medals but moments that last a lifetime.

“Over the coming days, records will fall, medals will be won, champions will emerge, and somewhere in this city, a young person will watch an athlete and quietly decide, "One day, that will be me." That is the true legacy of these Games. To every Commonwealth athlete... you have already achieved something extraordinary by being here. Compete fiercely, be generous in victory, be gracious in defeat, wear your colours with pride, and make lifelong friends. The Commonwealth is cheering you on, for you are truly the best of us," Rukare stated.

His Majesty the King said, "Over the next ten days, we will certainly thrive here in Glasgow, as the city once again, following its proud hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, welcomes the Commonwealth family with warm hearts and open arms. "I extend my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, to all the athletes, to the organisers, volunteers, and to all who have made this event possible. As we share our love of sport and our planet, let us build a harmonious and durable future for our families and each other.

"It is now my great pleasure to declare the twenty-third Commonwealth Games open."

Scotland is hosting the Commonwealth Games for the fourth time, with the event returning to Glasgow, hosting 3,000 athletes to compete in 10 sports and six para-sports across an eight-mile corridor and iconic venues.

George Black, CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026, heaped praise on the city’s late call to action.

“When the future of these games was uncertain, Glasgow didn’t ask, Can we? We asked, ‘When do we get started?’” he said. “Because that’s what we do. We roll up our sleeves and, together, make extraordinary things happen.” After an extraordinary opening ceremony, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have begun.