The cities of Edmonton, Canada and Durban, South Africa have announced their intentions to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The City of Edmonton submitted a Letter of Intent Monday, signed by the Province of Alberta and Commonwealth Games Canada, to the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said, “our city’s successful history as a great event host city started with the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Hosting the Games in 2022 will demonstrate to the world how much Edmonton has evolved and reflect the Commonwealth Games Federation’s confidence in our city”.
Edmonton will now continue its discussions with the Province of Alberta and other stakeholders including national and provincial sporting organizations.
Durban also announced Monday its intention to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee President Gideon Sam said Durban’s bid was proof of the country’s commitment to international sport. He said, “these are exciting times for South African sport. Over the years we have shown our ability to stage the biggest sporting events, with (1995) Rugby and (2003) Cricket World Cups being an example, plus of course the 2010 Fifa (football) World Cup.
He said, “we’ve done exhaustive background work and are now of the opinion the country is ready for a major multi-code sports event and we are proud to announce our intention to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It’s a huge step forward in our history – and that of the African continent”.
CGF President HRH Tunku Imran of Malaysia said, “this is an exciting development for the Games movement, one that reinforces the Games position on the world’s sporting stage. The future outlook for the Commonwealth Games is extremely positive.
“Glasgow will be followed by a great Games on the Gold Coast (in Australia) in 2018 and now we have the prospect of these being followed by what I’m sure will be an outstanding Games in either Canada or South Africa in 2022”.
Confirmed bids are due to the CGF by March 2015 with formal consideration by members of the Commonwealth Games Federation taking place at their general assembly in Auckland New Zealand in September 2015.
