The Wales Office has revealed its ambition for the nation to attract “top-class” global sporting events – reiterating its desire to see a Commonwealth Games bid.
Talking at a government reception to mark Welsh sporting success, Wales Office minister Alun Cairns said that while the nation was “riding on a wave of sporting success” there was “no better time to identify how we can attract more global sporting occasions to our shores”, specifically pinpointing the Commonwealth Games.
Last year, a bid to stage the 2026 Games was ruled out after the Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones deemed the cost as “too prohibitive”, suggesting that the national government would not help fund the event.
Addressing a room which included sports minister Tracey Crouch and secretary of state for Wales Stephen Crabb, Cairns added: “The opportunity to host such events in Wales should know no bounds.
“Not only can they pump millions of pounds into our economy and create thousands of jobs, but they can leave a lasting legacy and inspire youngsters from every corner of Wales to get hooked on sport.”
Glasgow hosted the last edition of the Games in 2014, and its
Post Games Report revealed it contributed £740m to the
Scottish economy over the eight years before and during the competition.
In 2015, Wales hosted its second Ashes Test Match, eight Rugby World Cup games, and has been selected to stage the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
“I very much hope to see a bid from a city in Wales to host the Commonwealth Games in the future,” added Cairns. “I am determined that as a government, we continue to work with partners in Wales to champion Welsh sport, and Wales as a first class destination for major sporting events.”
