The previous day, Commonwealth Sport hosted a breakfast with members from the Caribbean and Americas. Attended by Rukare and chief executive Katie Sadleir, it was an opportunity to reconnect and hear their priorities after Glasgow and heading into the 2027 Youth Games in Malta and beyond.

In his address, Rukare spoke of “genuine opportunities” for the region to host another Games after Glasgow 2026, which demonstrated Commonwealth Sport’s ability to deliver world-class sport through a model that is more agile, sustainable and responsive to the circumstances of the host.

“Future Commonwealth Sport events do not have to conform to the traditional model of major multi-sport hosting,” said Rukare. “We’re actively encouraging greater flexibility, including using existing infrastructure and exploring co-hosting between cities, countries and territories.

“This is a region with extraordinary sporting heritage, passionate communities and a proven ability to stage international sport. The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, and Bahamas 2017 before it, showed what can be achieved when the region combines ambition, creativity and a determination to create opportunities for young athletes.

“My message today is simple: think about what might be possible. We want to have those conversations. Bring us ideas. Challenge traditional assumptions about hosting. Our ambition is to create a Commonwealth Sport model which opens up opportunities for more nations and territories to play a part.”

Rukare reiterated the importance of the relationship between Commonwealth Sport and the Olympic Movement and said: “There’s considerable crossover between our two families and, more importantly, considerable alignment in what we’re trying to achieve for athletes and sport across this region.

“That relationship matters. None of us operates in isolation and there’s much more we can achieve through collaboration rather than duplication. We want to continue exploring where Commonwealth Sport and CANOC can combine our networks, expertise and influence for the benefit of athletes and sporting organisations across the region.”