Durban to host 2022 Commonwealth Games

REUTERS: The South African city of Durban was selected as the host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Federation’s general assembly in New Zealand today, Wednesday.

The coastal city was the only bidder for the multi-sports event after the Canadian city of Edmonton withdrew from contention in February, citing falling oil prices.

Organisers said the Games would be held from July 18-30, opening on the birth date of the late South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.

“It gives me very, very great pleasure to welcome the South African city of Durban as proud hosts of the 22nd Commonwealth Games,” the outgoing CGF president Prince Tunku Imran said.

“As a movement we stand together to welcome and support the very first Commonwealth Games on African soil. Congratulations.”

“Congratulations to Durban. You’ll do a fantastic job and we’ll look forward to working with you on the journey,” said  the newly elected CGF president, Louise Martin.

The Commonwealth Games are held every four years and feature athletes from over 50 countries, mostly former British colonies.

First held in 1930, 2022 will mark the first time the Games will be held in Africa, a move that could pave the way for South Africa to make another attempt for the Olympics after Cape Town finished third in bidding for the 2004 summer Games.

The CGF evaluation commission recommended in July that Durban should be awarded the Games but also expressed some concerns about possible funding shortfalls and the approach organisers were taking to financing and developing venues.

It also sought guarantees on the risk associated with the construction of the athletes village, which is being built as part of a wider urban development scheme to address housing shortages in the wider-Durban area.

The next Commonwealth Games will be held at Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018.