 Today marks just 200 days to go to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It means, in a little over six months, 4,500 of the world’s top athletes from 19 sports will be heading to the West Midlands to compete in one of the biggest sporting competitions on the planet.
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Chief Executive Katie Sadleir said, “There is no doubt in my mind that Birmingham 2022 will be a spectacular success and for me personally. Experiencing the final stages of preparations for the event has been a real highlight in what has been a whirlwind few months in my new role.
Just weeks after taking up the position, I was fortunate to undertake my first trip to the city in December, alongside CGF President Dame Louise Martin and my colleagues, as part of the CGF Coordination Commission inspection visit.
Our first stop, Alexander Stadium, allowed us to see the spectacular redevelopment of the prestigious venue that will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as the athletics competition. What we toured was an outstanding sporting venue that will provide the perfect stage for our inspirational Commonwealth athletes when the eyes of the world turn to Birmingham in 200 days' time.
Post-Games, it will host some of the biggest athletics competitions on the planet, while simultaneously being an accessible facility to the local community.
Another stop was to the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, which will host the diving, swimming and Para swimming events at the Games. The project is set to be completed in spring 2022 and is a clear example of how our event can leave a lasting legacy.
It has been built primarily with long-term community health and wellbeing in mind. The Centre is already engaging with partners, schools and clubs to ensure it can improve access to aquatic sport for Sandwell residents, while there is a long-term partnership in place with the University of Wolverhampton to maximise opportunities for local staff and students.”
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