Durban To Host 2022 Commonwealth Games

The announcement was made by the outgoing Commonwealth games Federation (CGF) president Prince Tunku Imran at the Federations general assembly in Auckland.

He said; “It gives me great pleasure to welcome the South African city of Durban as proud hosts of the 22nd Commonwealth Games,”
“As a movement we stand together to support the very first games on African soil.”

Expressing his contentment on the decision for the Commonwealth games to be hosted in South Africa, the CGF vice president and South African Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam, assured the Federation that Durban is well prepared and will be ready to host the games in 2022.

“We are ready to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time on African soil.
“The fundamental premise of our submission is that the Games will provide the opportunity at both an economic and social level in particular the development and inspiration of young people not only in South Africa but the rest of the Commonwealth.

“Youth empowerment sits as the core of our legacy programme, a legacy that will begin with your awarding of the Games.”
According to the Organisers, the games will begin on 18 July- the birth date of former South African President and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela- and finish on 30 July.

The city located on the eastern coast of South Africa, was the only bidder for the multi-sports event after Canadian city of Edmonton withdrew their bid in February for financial reasons.

The Commonwealth games features athletes from more than 50 countries, it was first held in 1930, and 2022 will mark the first time it will be held in Africa, a decision thought to pave the way for South Africa to make another attempt to host the Olympics, after its failed bid in 2004.

2022 will be the 22nd staging of the event, which is held every four years

The Commonwealth Games was last held in 2014 in Glasgow, with Australia’s Gold Coast hosting the 2018 event.