Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced a new partnership with Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games. The agreement will assist Team NI’s preparations and builds on a long-standing tie between the borough and the team, with many athletes, coaches and support staff hailing from the area.

Mayor Craig Blaney stated that the partnership reflects the council’s belief in sport’s power to inspire and create real community impact. He said investing in Team NI means backing local talent and establishing a legacy of ambition and opportunity.

The council’s investment supports elite competition while aiming to boost civic pride, spotlight local athletes and encourage youth participation. The initiative aligns with the borough’s ‘Getting Active, Staying Active’ strategy, which promotes active leisure for all residents.

Conal Heatley, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland, welcomed the council’s support, noting that many in the team’s ranks have come from the borough. He said the partnership is vital for developing new role models who will inspire wider sports participation.

Several athletes from Ards and North Down are already competing as the countdown to Glasgow 2026 continues, representing their clubs and communities.