Kinley and Bezance to be Commonwealth baton and flag bearers

Both to have starring roles in Thursday's opening ceremony

Laura Kinley and Alfie Bezance will be the Isle of Man baton bearer and flag bearer respectively for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

During the opening ceremony of the games this Thursday (23 July), 17-year-old Bezance will lead the team out as the youngest ever Manx flag bearer at the event taking place at the OVO Hydro arena.

Meanwhile, Kinley will take charge of the baton for the occasion ahead of what will be her fourth games having made her debut at this level in Glasgow in 2014.

Speaking to Manx Radio this morning (20 July) ahead of jetting off to the Scottish city, both competitors said they felt excited and honoured to be taking on their roles:

Alfie Bezance will be taking part in the Para Powerlifting competition which will be held this Friday (24 July) at the SEC Armadillo.

Meanwhile, Kinley is once again part of the Isle of Man swimming team and will be competing in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke classes - the swimming events at Tollcross are being held from Friday, 24 July to Thursday, 30 July.

The games as a whole are taking place from Thursday, 23 July to Sunday, 2 August.