CANADA VIBES NEWSROOM · EVENING EDITION
July 23, 2026 · 9:00 PM ET

King Charles III officially declared the 2026 Commonwealth Games open Thursday evening in Glasgow, where 149 Canadian athletes marched among roughly 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.

The opening ceremony was held at The Hydro in Glasgow, bringing together athletes who will compete in 10 sports and six para sports through August 2.

Kady Dandeneau, a member of Canada’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team, served as flag bearer, while bowls athlete Ryan Bester carried the baton, leading the 149-member Canadian delegation drawn from communities across the country.

The show featured Scottish artists KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans, along with the duo Saint Phnx, according to CBC Sports, which confirmed that King Charles III officially declared the Games open.

Ahead of the ceremony, the federal government marked the start of the Glasgow 2026 Games and announced financial support for Team Canada, through Canadian Heritage Minister Miller and Secretary of State for Sport van Koeverden.

What to watch

Canada’s first medals, para-sport performances, and the full competition schedule through the Games’ closing on August 2.

Sources

• Government of Canada, “Minister Miller and Secretary of State van Koeverden mark the start of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games”
• GlobeNewswire (via The Manila Times), “Team Canada Announces Flag and Baton Bearers for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony”
• CBC Sports, “King Charles officially declares Commonwealth Games open”
• Olympics.com, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games coverage