Birmingham (UK) to Host 2022 Commonwealth Games
Comments on Announcement that Birmingham (UK) Will Host 2022 Commonwealth Games
Actor, writer, comedian and
charitable campaigner Sir Lenny Henry was installed as
Birmingham City University’s Chancellor in 2016 and comes
from Dudley in the UK’s West Midlands, close to where the
Games will be held.
“Bringing the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham will help boost the profile of a city which should not just be recognised on a national scale, but deserves to be a name that resonates around the world.
“The city already boasts much of the infrastructure needed to put on an event of this size and scale, and to host the Games will be a real positive for all of us with a connection with this part of the world.”
- Sir Lenny Henry, Chancellor, Birmingham City University
“Birmingham City University is thrilled to back the
Games. With the huge growth of interest in our Sport
programmes, it is an ideal time to have the Games coming to
our city and will make our offer even more enticing for
current and prospective students.
“As a University with our roots in Perry Barr, we welcome the investment into the local community there that the Games will bring. While we were based in the north of the city, the Perry Barr community was nothing but supportive and I know that they will welcome elite athletes from around the world with open arms, as will Birmingham City University, the rest of the city and the wider region.”
- Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University.
“Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth
Games will mean so much to the city, not only in terms of
developing world class sporting opportunities, but it will
also be one of the biggest cultural events ever to be held
in this region.
“The city and region have the opportunity to follow the examples of Manchester in 2002 and Glasgow in 2014, whereby, through hosting one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, the organisers can develop economic growth both in the run up to the Games, but also as a legacy for years to come following the event.
“The development of world class sports venues and the ability to host international standard competition in a range of sports will hopefully inspire the youngsters of the region to watch the games and get involved in sport and physical activity themselves. The Games will provide the region with opportunities for greater social inclusion, promotion of diversity, access to sport and volunteering.
“Birmingham has a strong tradition of developing athletes that have competed at both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, and now the ability to host the former will provide a great platform for the world to see what a great sporting city Birmingham is, and the people of Birmingham to show the world their ability to host such an amazing event.”
- Mark Jeffreys, Director of Sport and Physical Activity, Birmingham City University
ENDS