(ATR) The Commonwealth Games Federation still wants to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa despite a lack of organization by the host city.
Durban won the right to host the Commonwealth Games by default in 2015 when its only competitor – Edmonton, Canada – withdrew from the race in February.
More than a year and a half after winning the right to host, Durban has yet to establish a local organizing committee. Although preparations for the games have yet to begin, the CGF is committed to hosting the event in Africa for the first time in its history.
"As a first priority‚ the CGF membership resolved to continue to work with the South African Government and their partners to support and advise them on their first steps and initial obligations on the journey towards 2022," CGF president Louise Martin told members at the annual general assembly.
"We all truly believe in the inspirational and impactful potential of a Games in Africa," said Martin. "However‚ we also appreciate that there are concerns about the current progress to plan."
Martin insisted that the CGF should not panic about preparations as there are still six years until the event. However, he added that the CGF would consider other options if the host city did not get its act together soon.
"We are still six years out‚ so now is the time to reinforce our commitments in partnership with Durban – as we sincerely hope – or look at alternatives," Martin said.
Durban still has not signed the host city agreement and is well past the 180 day deadline to establish its organizing committee. The city also owes a payment of $1.8 million to the CGF.
The CGF is giving Durban a deadline of Nov. 30 to fulfill these commitments before it actively seeks an alternate host city.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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