Minister Lyons welcomes Commonwealth Games heroes to Stormont

Date published: 5 August 2026

The reception provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the athletes, coaches and support staff whose dedication and commitment helped Team NI achieve success at the Games.

Their performances captured the pride of the nation, resulting in a haul of 16 medals, comprising three gold, four silver and nine bronze, alongside numerous personal bests and record-breaking achievements.

Minister Lyons said: "It is a pleasure to welcome Team NI to Parliament Buildings and recognise the dedication, commitment and talent that has been displayed throughout the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

"Every athlete, coach, support staff member and official has played an important role in the team's success, representing Northern Ireland with pride and distinction on the Commonwealth stage.

"The performances we have witnessed have been truly inspiring and reflect years of hard work and determination. Whether through medals, personal bests or record-breaking achievements, Team NI has showcased the very best of Northern Ireland sport and provided a powerful source of inspiration for future generations.

"To help build on that success, I am pleased to announce new investment of £200,000 for the next Commonwealth Games cycle. Delivered in partnership with the Mary Peters Trust and Sport NI, this funding will help young emerging athletes access the training and competition opportunities so important in the early stages of their development. It is an investment in the next generation of Team NI.

“And last year I launched a crowdfunder grant with Sport NI which has already helped many local clubs and organisations invest in equipment and facilities. I am delighted to announce a further £2million to reopen that scheme.”

Guests included Commonwealth Games NI Chair Dr Stephen Martin; Team, NI Chef de Mission Conal Heatley; Team NI coaches; representatives from sports governing bodies across the nine sporting disciplines involved; and Sport NI.

Gavin Boyd, Chair, Sport NI said: "Congratulations to Team NI for a very successful Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. From medal-winning moments to personal bests and breakthrough performances, our athletes represented Northern Ireland with distinction and I’m sure have inspired the next generation of athletes to follow in their footsteps.

"Sport NI is proud to support Team NI, athletes and sports governing bodies through National Lottery funding. That investment helps provide the coaching, programmes and performance pathways that enable athletes to realise their potential and succeed on the international stage. We also recognise the vital contribution of coaches, support staff and governing bodies whose expertise and commitment underpin these achievements.

"We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build on this success and ensure that more athletes have the opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions and represent Northern Ireland in the years ahead."

Minister Lyons added: "On behalf of everyone in Northern Ireland, I congratulate Team NI on an outstanding Commonwealth Games and thank them for the immense pride they have brought to us all. Their achievements have inspired communities across Northern Ireland and provide great confidence for the future of sport here."