The Bid Committee for the Commonwealth Games in [link id=”660″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Durban 2022″] has reiterated their commitment to deliver a cost effective game and leave a lasting legacy for the city.
Speaking at a press conference today at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa’s Minister for Sports, Fikile Mbalula said hosting the games will “continue the journey to provide the opportunities for our athletes to compete on the international stage”
“We will give the world a Commonwealth Games Experience unlike any other and will leave a legacy at Durban 2022,” he added.
Bringing the Friendly games @thecgf 2022 to Durban! Part of growing a winning Nation @MbalulaFikile pic.twitter.com/ZLyZkscrcn
— Elana Meyer (@elanameyer) March 6, 2015
With a plethora of World Class facilities within a 2.5 kilometre radius, Durban was not only a scenic choice, but an economical one as well. Durban already has 100% of the sports facilities required to host these Games.
The Athlete Village will be based at Cornubia, 19km from Moses Mabhida Stadium central complex and sold off as subsidized housing post The Games.
The Games will provide a perfect platform for us to showcase our talent & for athletes to participate & excel in international competitions.
@Durban2022: 80% of events will be held in 2.5km radius, spectators can walk between venues pic.twitter.com/PIvpGelANt
— Prime (@PrimeHPI) March 6, 2015
Bid lodgement
On Monday 2 March 2015, the Candidate City of Durban, South Africa submitted its formal bid to host the 2022 [link id=”242″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Commonwealth Games”] to HRH Prince Imran, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation in London.
The bid lodgement in London was the first of the milestones that the City of Durban will address as part of the official process with the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The next steps for the Durban 2022 bid team will be the evaluation process in late April and early May in Durban, followed by scheduled visits from the Commonwealth Games Federation members in July.
Durban 2022 Bid Committee chairman Mark Alexander said it was a professional presentation which captured the vibrancy of Durban, while showcasing the city’s world-class facilities.
“The CGF Committee were very impressed and we are confident and remain upbeat that when the decision is made on September 2, Durban will be rewarded as hosts for the 2022 Games,” Alexander said.
Alexander said, “The bid committee of the City of Durban is pursuing a dream. It is a dream that will see Africa host the very first Commonwealth Games where some of the finest athletes of the world compete for gold and glory.
“Our mission to London was simple, to present an unsurpassed bid document that will at once captivate the Commonwealth Executive and then, rightfully allow the people of South Africa to be your host.
(Additional reporting: SAPA)
