Sidney Lui to lead Team Niue at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are underway, with Team Niue recently selecting Sidney Lui to lead their delegation.

Lui, a respected sports leader from the small Pacific island nation, steps back into the role with a clear vision to elevate Niue’s presence in international sports.

She tells PMN News that the appointment is an honour and a privilege, emphasising that it represents more than just logistics. It is an opportunity for personal and collective growth.

“It is another chance for me to grow in leadership. It’s about leading with integrity, purpose, and heart on behalf of our athletes and our Niue people,” she says.

Lui has extensive experience in multiple international sporting events, including the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, the 2019 Pacific Games in Sāmoa, the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, and the upcoming 2025 Mini Games in Palau.

For Glasgow, Lui is focused on refining the team’s preparations and emphasises the importance of creating a strong, supportive environment for the athletes.

“The focus will be on strengthening our selection policies, improving communication, ensuring early and clear planning, and fostering a team culture that reflects our Niuean values of resilience, unity, and pride.”

Lui outlines strategic improvements, including updated athlete selection policies in collaboration with national federations and stronger partnerships with regional and international organisations.

“It’s about creating a system that not only prepares athletes to qualify but also empowers them to thrive as proud representatives of Niue on the world stage,” she adds.

Lui remains optimistic despite ongoing challenges facing Niuean sports, such as the island’s small size, geographic isolation, and limited government funding. She views these challenges as opportunities to innovate and strengthen Niue’s high-performance culture.

“A successful Glasgow 2026 for Team Niue goes beyond medals. It’s about impact, representation, and growth,” she says.

“On the field, success means our athletes giving their absolute best, breaking personal records, and competing with pride, discipline, and determination.

“It is proving that even as a small nation, we belong among the Commonwealth’s best 74 countries.

Niue Powerlifting Federation hosted the first ever IPF/ORPF sanctioned tournament in the Pacific. Photo/Facebook/Sidney Lui.

Lui is committed to elevating Niue in the international sports arena and aims to return home with a legacy that benefits future generations.

“We want to leave Glasgow not just with results but with stronger partnerships, increased visibility and a legacy that will benefit the Niue sport for years to come.”

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, are scheduled from 23 July to 2 August next year.