The Commonwealth Games Federation sources for new hosts as the five time host Australia pulls out of hosting the games after investing heavily in the world renowned event.
The experience for many sports persons and journalists at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games left a mark on hearts and lips of many who have started making plans to revisit the 2026 games but as the hosts have opted out, this would also have to change. The Australia government had several reason which led to pulling out of hosting the games and this includes the high cost involved.
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews on in interview sighted on France24 stated,
“I’ve made a lot of difficult calls, a lot of very difficult decisions in this job. This is not one of them. Frankly, $7 billion for a sporting event, we are not doing that,” he said at a news conference in Melbourne. I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to host an event that is three times the cost estimated and budgeted for last year.
“The Games will not proceed in Victoria in 2026. We have informed Commonwealth Games authorities of our decision to seek to terminate the contract.”
In the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth games, Australia welcomed over 1.5 million visitors including athletes and spent over One billion Australian dollars, with an expectation of something a bit higher than what was spent in 2018, the government lamented on how much they have to spend which is not in their reach.
The economic challenges in the world makes it very difficult to raise close or more than six billion Australia dollars to host the common wealth games which might not produce the expected returns.
Katie Sadlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation made it known to the commonwealth community that, there is no cause for panic as there has been many interests from other Commonwealth communities who are showing interest in acquiring the hosting rights.
Canada, South Africa and other Commonwealth communities may take up the nod as preparations draws nearer.
The further assurance from the C.E.O, Sadlier comes at a time when many were thinking the games would be canceled or postponed which has not been part of the plan.
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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