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The Commonwealth Games in 2022 will be hosted by Birmingham, England, after outbidding Canada, Australia and Malaysia.
The Games federation made the announcement Thursday morning in the U.K. city, following a nine month decision process.
Federation president Louise Martin 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 around the commonwealth.
Martin also recognized the competing bids, including one from right here in B.C.
Earlier this year, David Black, who owns community news company Black Press Media and was head of the Victoria Commonwealth Games committee, brought forward their proposed bid to have the 2022 games take place in B.C.’s capital and the Lower Mainland.
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However, the newly elected provincial government questioned the funding amount to support the games, which was estimated at $400 million, as well as potential cost overruns.
At the time, Black said the committee had a ‘Plan B’ that involved a team of 10 local business leaders who had personally guaranteed to cover any cost overrun.
The business plan included $150 million in commercial revenues from the games, with federal, provincial and private investment combining for $600 million in new housing.
The proposal included three sports staged in Metro Vancouver, with the popular rugby sevens potentially at B.C. Place, and badminton and table tennis events at the Olympic oval in Richmond.
t.co
With files from Victoria News and Black Press Media
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