Blow to Commonwealth Games Federation as Alberta pulls bid of hosting 2030 edition

GENERAL Blow to Commonwealth Games Federation as Alberta pulls bid of hosting 2030 edition

Abigael Wafula 14:59 - 04.08.2023

The withdrawal of support ends any chance of bringing the multi-sport showcase event back to Canada for its 100th anniversary.

Weeks after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation suffered another blow after the Alberta government withdrew its support for Calgary and Edmonton to host the 2030 event.

As reported by The Telegraph, the decision ends any chance of Canada hosting what would be the 100th anniversary of the event. The Alberta bid was scuttled over similar reasons that the Australian State had cited.

Commonwealth Sport Canada has been informed by the Alberta government that they have decided to discontinue the exploration of a 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid.

We believe the recent decision by the Victorian government to withdraw from the 2026 Commonwealth Games was a significant factor in Alberta’s decision, as well as an over-dependence on taxpayers’ support for the planning and delivery of the Games.

Commonwealth Sport Canada is profoundly disappointed in Alberta Government’s decision but respects their right to make this decision,” the Commonwealth Sport Canada said in a statement as quoted by The Telegraph.

The Alberta government had committed up to Ksh Sh285,800,000 and the city of Edmonton another Ksh 142,900,000 to explore the feasibility of hosting the Games.

According to further reports, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s office said in an emailed statement to the CBC that without the support of the province the bid was finished.

The provincial government’s decision to withdraw from Alberta’s 2030 Commonwealth Games bid process effectively terminates the bid and the City of Calgary’s participation,” the statement said.

The withdrawal of support ends any chance of bringing the multi-sport showcase event back to Canada for its 100th anniversary and adds to growing doubts about the future of the Commonwealth Games.

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