Ready for further opportunities to host Commonwealth Games sport in 2026

Work has continued in recent months to advocate for additional sports to complement Ballarat’s 2026 Commonwealth Games program of athletics, para-athletics, boxing and T20 cricket. 

In June the City of Ballarat launched a bid to include rowing events at Lake Wendouree, followed in July by showcasing the city’s credentials to host marathon events. 

Both  bids included video lobbying, letters to the respective sport’s governing bodies at state, national and international level and correspondence with the Victorian Government, the Office of the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.  

Most recently the City of Ballarat has partnered with the Hepburn Shire Council to support its bid to host mountain biking at the Creswick Trails. 

The Creswick Trails, located less than 16 kilometres (12 minutes) from Mars Stadium, will be a world-class 60-kilometre mountain bike trail when construction is complete in 2024. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said mountain biking would make a perfect addition to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.  

“Mountain Biking is a thrilling sport for participants and spectators alike and I can think of no better Victorian location than the Creswick Trails,” he said.  

“Our vision for Victoria 2026 is that the legacy of these events will inspire generations of young athletes who get to see a variety of sports up close across the region.   

“The Ballarat Athletes Village just down the road provides the perfect support for the Hepburn Shire to successfully host mountain biking.” 

The Victorian Government conducted an expressions of interest process for additional sports to be included in the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games in July and August, involving submissions from international sporting federations with support from recognised or affiliated Australian organisations. 

An initial 16 sports have been confirmed in the sport program, with up to five additional spots available. 

World Rowing, with the support and endorsement of Rowing Australia and Rowing Victoria, has submitted an EOI for the inclusion of Coastal Rowing (Beach Sprints format). 

Cr Moloney said while no announcement on additional sports or the allocation of the marathon had been made yet, Ballarat has put its best foot forward. 

“We’ve seen the excitement and interest the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games generated across the nation and around the world this year. I can’t wait for Ballarat and Victoria’s turn,” he said. 

“Our city has great experience in hosting national and international level events from the National Road Cycling Championships, AFL, A-League soccer and international and national level basketball.  

“We have been working hard for many months to show that Ballarat is ready and welcoming of any further opportunities to add additional events to the 2026 program.”