Mayor praises region for uniting behind successful Commonwealth Games bid
Published: Thursday 21 Dec 2017
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street today praised the region for getting behind Birmingham's successful bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Mayor joined the celebrations at the Arena Academy school in Birmingham where the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) made the official announcement.
He said hosting the Games would offer the West Midlands a golden opportunity to show the world a resurgent and confident region.
Picture Caption: Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street (left) and Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and chair of the bid team (right) join CGF President Louise Martin as she announces Birmingham as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Birmingham's bid was officially backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which is chaired by the Mayor.
The name on the Games will be Birmingham but it will be on behalf of the region," he said.
The success of this bid has depended entirely on the whole of the West Midlands getting behind it and recognising the benefits it will bring. It gives me huge pride in the way we came together to achieve this.
The Games will provide the opportunity to not only see world-class sport but bring economic and social benefits.
Above all, this will be our opportunity, along with the Coventry City of Culture the year prior to the Games, to showcase a resurgent, diverse and confident West Midlands to the world
In making the announcement CGF President Louise Martin CBE applauded the city's ambitious and innovative vision to engage and benefit its local community, showcase the best of global Britain and warmly welcome and inspire athletes and fans from right across the Commonwealth.
This is a defining moment for this truly Commonwealth city," she said.
With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth.
So the Commonwealth Sports Movement looks forward to collaborating with all the Games partners to showcase the city's humanity and pride to a global audience over the coming months and years
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and chair of the Bid Team, added: This has been a team effort and the Bid Team would like to thank everyone who has contributed.
We have had excellent support from residents and businesses in the city; our regional partners including the Mayor and the WMCA, the Midlands Engine, Local Enterprise Partnerships, the NEC Group, and the University of Birmingham, as well as venues, sport and cultural organisations across the Midlands.
We have also enjoyed a close working relationship with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games England.
The hard work begins now and we all have just four-and-a-half years to deliver an unforgettable Games that will shape the future of our city, our region and our people.
Thank you for backing Birmingham's bid
Birmingham 2022 is expected to take place from 27 July - 7 August 2022. It marks 20 years since the last time the Games were held in England.