One of the most recognisable faces of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Charlie Flynn, has backed a new charity fundraising drive linked to the return of the Games to the city, as it was announced that three Scottish organisations are set to receive a major boost from Games-related giving.

Through the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, the official charity of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, 50 percent of all Games-linked donations will stay in Scotland.

Funds will support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Scottish Sports Futures – which uses sport to help young people to be healthier, more confident and resilient – and the Team Scotland Youth Trust, which provides financial awards and educational opportunities to promising young athletes.

The remaining 50 percent will fund sport-for-development programmes such as GAPS, which aims to remove barriers to participation for Para athletes across the Commonwealth. 

The Commonwealth Sport Foundation was born from the legacy of 2014, when organisers recognised the potential to mobilise real charitable impact through the Games.

One of the defining faces of that magical summer 12 years ago, was Team Scotland lightweight boxing gold medallist Flynn, who helped launch the partnership at Glasgow Boxing Academy, just across the Clyde from the SEC, where the boxing will be held this summer.  

‘The Mailman’ captured the nation’s imagination with his gold medal win in front of a raucous home crowd, and his memorable post-bout interviews, including when he thanked supporters who “looked like ants but roared like lions.”

Charlie said: “The Games returning to Glasgow brings back memories of two weeks that changed my life.

“I’ll never forget walking out and hearing that noise. I felt like the whole city was behind me.

“Glasgow 2014 did incredible things for me, but it also did incredible things for people’s belief in the city.

“But a far bigger moment for me was when my son’s life was saved by an emergency heart operation at Glasgow Children’s Hospital.

“I’m just so pleased that its charity will benefit from people enjoying the Games, alongside two other organisations helping people transform their lives through the power of sport.

“I guess you could say I’m buzzing like a jar of wasps that the Games are coming back to Glasgow.

“And even more so knowing the impact will be felt long beyond this summer through these incredible charities getting much-needed support.”

Inspired by the impact of fundraising during Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Sport Foundation was established to help address some of the world’s greatest challenges and to support sport and development programmes in each host city, with a focus on youth, inclusion and community. 

The Foundation has so far raised almost £5 million to help change the lives of athletes and communities.

Commonwealth Sport Foundation Chair, Adrian Lismore said: “After Glasgow 2014, there was a clear feeling in this city that the Games had meant something more.

“The Commonwealth Sport Foundation was created to turn that passion into something permanent.

“With your help and donations, we exist to ensure that wherever the Games are hosted, the legacy continues.

“As with every host city and the amazing charity partners of the Games, we want to make sure Glasgow 2026 leaves the city stronger.”

While William McGowan-Smith, head of partnerships and business development at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, and we couldn’t be more excited for the Commonwealth Games to return to Glasgow.

“The Games transformed our city in 2014, and the support of the Foundation will continue that important legacy in 2026 by making a life-changing difference to the children and young people cared for at Scotland’s biggest children’s hospital.”

Scottish Sports Futures, one of the three local partners, works with young people facing barriers including poverty, trauma and challenges engaging with mainstream education.

Gavin Hastings, Team Scotland Youth Trust chair, said: “This announcement highlights the powerful role the Commonwealth Sport Foundation and the Games more broadly can play in strengthening sport in Scotland, by supporting organisations like the Team Scotland Youth Trust. 

“We see every day how the Trust inspires and unlocks the potential of the next generation of Team Scotland athletes, and the funding generated by the Foundation helps provide them with the opportunities, resources and experiences they need to grow and succeed in sport.”

Fans purchasing Glasgow 2026 tickets or official merchandise will be invited to add a donation at checkout, with funds supporting the three chosen Glasgow charities, website here.

Supporters will also be able to make standalone donations via the Commonwealth Sport Foundation here.