CGC releases public statement on failed Halifax 2014 bid
OTTAWA - Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) has made public a document entitled, "The Bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games: Building on the Halifax Experience" that indentifies the key factors which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the Halifax 2014 bid and makes recommendations for future Games bid processes.
Click here for report
“Since the formal withdrawal of the candidacy of the City of Halifax on March 8, 2007, Commonwealth Games Canada has undertaken a careful and considered process of review,” saidDr. Andrew Pipe, President of CGC, adding “We have learned much from this bitter experience.”
Among the many recommendations, the CGC statement calls for the development of a more realistic timeline for the domestic and international bidding processes, balanced governance structures, a robust early warning system, better understanding of changing political currents, clear and constant communications, and the building of strong public support and secure financial commitments.
The report also asserts the importance of a full assessment of the infrastructure needs, community and political support, and local will of bidding cities during the domestic selection phase of any bid process, as a means of identifying possible areas of weakness and risks. Games organizations should also clearly communicate to potential bid cities the conditions for success, required facilities and costs of bidding.
“While we were deeply disappointed by the Halifax 2014 bid withdrawal, this setback will not deter us from pursuing future bids,” stated Thomas Jones, CGC Chief Executive Officer. “Canada was the first host of the Commonwealth Games, and CGC is resolute in its belief that the Games must again return to Canada.”
A complete copy of the report can be found at www.commonwealthgames.ca.
About Commonwealth Games Canada
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is a not-for-profit multi-sport organization that is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games. Since 1930, CGC has been strengthening sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a tool for development.
For further information about Team Canada, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, 2010 Commonwealth Games or our International Development through Sport programs, please visit our web site at www.commonwealthgames.ca.
For more information, please contact:
John Bower
Manager of Communications
Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
613 244-6868 Ext. 230
819 921-8149 (Cell)
john@commonwealthgames.ca
