Over 100 individuals who are likely to be part of TeamNI at Glasgow 2026, as well as the Youth Commonwealth Games, Malta 2027 and next edition of the senior Games, Ahmedabad 2030, united in Belfast to ‘strengthen’ the team-behind-the-team.

Over the course of two days attendees heard from members of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company and gained key insights from athletes, coaches, practitioners as well as HQ personnel, who shared their experiences of previous Games.

Other topics, of crucial importance, which were covered by those attending the gathering included sessions about safeguarding, anti-doping obligations, Games-time team policies and the role of social media.

“I think it’s really important that as we prepare and plan for Glasgow 2026 that the flow of information isn’t restricted to just a small number of people, we want the wider team to meet each other, build relationships across that group,” said Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland Chief Executive Officer Conal Heatley.

“I also think it’s really important that we acknowledge those people who won’t actually travel to Glasgow with that athletes next summer and I think having them as part of this process is great, to have their contribution and acknowledge what they do.”

Ashwin Lokare, Head of CGA Relations & Games Partnerships, added that feedback from attendees was essential and will “drive our policies and procedures that impact athletes and team officials” come Glasgow 2026.

“It’s a renewed, rejuvenated and reimaged Games, so different to what people may have been used to in the past, so we’re interested to see how that gets delivered,” he said.

“To see athletes from across the Commonwealth coming to Glasgow and participating in the Games is something I’m quite excited about.”

That enthusiasm was shared by the four potential TeamNI athletes who were in attendance at the ‘Towards Glasgow and Beyond’ event, which comprised of Commonwealth champion Michaela Walsh (Boxing), Birmingham 2022 athletes Ewan McAteer (Artistic Gymnastics) and Shauna O’Neill (Bowls), as well as aspiring Glasgow 2026 weightlifter Harrison McGrogan.

“The Commonwealth means a lot to me as it’s been massive in the development of my career and I was actually in the first ever female fight in boxing (at Glasgow 2014), which I remember so well and it was amazing to make that history,” recalls three-time medallist Walsh.

“For Glasgow I’m hoping to defend my title but also enjoy it as well and Glasgow reminds me a lot of Belfast, so it’s going to be really exciting and I’m sure lots of people will come over to watch.”

McAteer, who competed at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, says qualifying for a third Games is the “biggest focus” in his life, but has a serious target for Glagsow 2026.

“A medal is what I’m all about if I’m honest,” he says with a smile. “It’s always been a dream of mine and my results from 2018 and 2022 have built each time, so gold, that’s what I’m looking at.”

World and European medal-winning bowler O’Neill, is looking to build on the momentum from her debut at Birmingham 2022 and is looking forward to the challenge of taking part in a sport which will take place indoors, rather on the traditional outdoor greens.

“It’s definitely going to be different, but it will be fast-paced and I’m certainly looking forward to it,” states O’Neill.

“The Commonwealth Games is the reason I started playing bowls, as I saw it on the TV in 2014 and it really means everything, so I’ll be proud to represent Northern Ireland there again.”

McGrogan, who claimed historic medal-success at the European Youth Championships last year, Glasgow 2026 would represent a first major international competition and a significant step in his journey within the sport of weightlifting.

“The Commonwealths has been a dream for me and the atmosphere at competitions makes a real difference and I’m sure it’s going to be amazing in Glasgow,” he says.

“Subject to qualifying, I’m so excited for it and looking forward to seeing what I can do.”

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place between 23 July and 2 August 2026.