In response to last night’s announcement that Birmingham would host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Kereyn Smith CEO of New Zealand Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation makes the following statement.
“Birmingham will be an outstanding host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The city will deliver an innovative and ambitious games, celebrating diversity and delivering benefits to its community and the wider Commonwealth.
Above: A gymnastics student celebrates as Birmingham is awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games
“The games will have an impact that will sustain and strengthen the wider Commonwealth Games movement.
“Birmingham 2022 will follow both the hugely successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Gold Coast 2018 which, at just over 100 days out, is on track to will deliver a fantastic athlete experience.
“What’s more, the UK is familiar to New Zealand athletes and this will result in preparation and performance benefits for our team.
“We look forward to the handover to Birmingham at the Closing Ceremony of Gold Coast 2018 and to preparing our athletes and engaging our communities ahead of the next exciting edition of the Commonwealth Games.”
Kereyn Smith was a member of the Commonwealth Games 2022 Evaluation Commission.