SOA Open Letter: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Coca-Cola Sponsorship

On behalf of the Scottish Obesity Alliance, we are sharing an open letter to Phil Batty, CEO of Glasgow 2026, raising our disappointment and concerns about the decision to partner with Coca-Cola.

This disappointment is compounded by engagement undertaken last summer, including a joint letter supported by over 170 signatories, calling for the Games to be free from HFSS sponsorship.

While we recognise efforts to promote active travel and provide free drinking water, partnerships with brands associated with HFSS products and alcohol risk undermining these ambitions and sends mixed messages — particularly to children and young people, who are highly influenced by brand marketing – and weakens the delivery of consistent public health messaging. With Scotland currently off track to meet its target of halving childhood obesity by 2030, it is vital that major sporting events reflect and reinforce public health priorities, not contradict them.

This is a missed opportunity for Glasgow 2026 to set a new standard — one that places public health, children and equity at its heart.