Annabel Pennefather, a Singapore National Olympic Council vice-president and chef de mission for the Manchester Games, said that Singapore was interested in bidding for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
At the Commonwealth Games Federation general assembly Pennefather recounted some of the major sporting events Singapore had hosted and the existing infrastructure that could be upgraded for use in 2010.
One Singapore official told Timesport that “the actual bidding will take place only in the middle of next year in Jamaica. That’s where we will put up a real presentation”.
Officials said that by then, a clearer picture would have emerged of a proposed sports hub that will be built.
A consortium has been appointed to conduct a feasibility study on the types of sports events that will attract visitors to Singapore and the infrastructure required to support such events. The consortium is expected to present its first report by the end of the year.
Singapore wants to host the Games because, as one official said, “to achieve three things: allow our athletes to compete against the best at home; show the world that Singapore can organize major events; and inculcate a spirit in the average Singaporean to become a volunteer. More than 10,000 people volunteered to help out in these Manchester Games”.
And the official added that it is likely that Singapore will bid to host the 2007 SouthEast Asia Games when the sport hub is likely to be ready.
The next Commonwealth Games will be in Melbourne in 2006.
