Edmonton kicks off efforts to build support for 2022 Commonwealth Games bid
Edmonton kicks off efforts to build support for 2022 Commonwealth Games bid
September 2 marks one year to decision on host city
Edmonton’s bid to build support locally, provincially and across the country to bring the Commonwealth Games back to Alberta’s capital city was officially kicked off today with Mayor Don Iveson, Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk, former Commonwealth athletes and hundreds of Edmonton students.
“Hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games is an exciting opportunity to showcase our city, province and country to the world. I challenge all Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians to find innovative and exciting ways to show their support to bring these games back to Canada,” says Mayor Don Iveson. “I encourage everyone to show support for Edmonton’s bid at edmonton2022.com. What a powerful way, through millions of signatures gathered online, to demonstrate to Commonwealth Games Federation voters how committed Edmonton, Alberta and Canada are to the Commonwealth and the games.”
The City is currently working on the development of its bid. An important part of the bid process is to ensure that there is strong support locally, provincially and nationally for the bid.
“Alberta has a long and strong legacy of hosting successful international sporting events,” adds Minister Heather Klimchuk, Alberta Culture. “The Alberta Government is proud to support Edmonton’s bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and with the support of Albertans and Canadians, we’ll welcome the world to experience our hospitality and share in what will be a tremendous cultural exchange.”
In addition to today’s event in Edmonton, the Edmonton 2022 bid was also kicked off internationally in London. “Edmonton has an exciting vision that will elevate the Commonwealth Games movement, the Games and the values they stand for: Humanity, Equality and Destiny,” Bid Committee Chair Reg Milley told international media and dignitaries. “That vision will raise the bar because Edmonton’s legacy is built upon collaboration, exceeding expectations, delivering excellence and the extraordinary.”
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event that features 10 core sports such as athletics, aquatics (swimming) and wrestling. Host cities can then choose up to seven additional sports from a pre-set list to round out the action. The first Games, which are held every four years, were held in Hamilton, Ontario in 1930.
The City and Province have built a strong partnership for the bid and are working collaboratively in the development. The City’s bid must be submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation on March 2, 2015; however, a decision on the successful host city will not be announced until September 2, 2015.
Visit edmonton2022.com to learn more about Edmonton’s bid.
