2022 Commonwealth Games

[intoronto]

Not sure if this has been posted but decision day will be Sept. 2, 2015.

[dysan1]

not much noise on this one lately. Durban city council did announce that they are implementing R150m ($16mn) of upgrades to transport stations and amenities in the Sports precinct. This is obviously completely removed from a bid, but does show that this is an important part of the city and does get constant investment. They have also commisioned architects to look into designs for an expanded pools complex.

[chris2022]

not much noise on this one lately. Durban city council did announce that they are implementing R150m ($16mn) of upgrades to transport stations and amenities in the Sports precinct. This is obviously completely removed from a bid, but does show that this is an important part of the city and does get constant investment. They have also commisioned architects to look into designs for an expanded pools complex.

Durban moves a step closer by launching it's flagship trasport project to date.

Go Durban! is the name of the integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective, seamless transport experience for the people of eThekwini.. It is expected to cost R8 billion . The rapid highspeed rail link between Durban and Johannesburg is also on th line and a low cost high speed rail line for the city's major routes also. So transport wise the city will be ready.

[Alexjc]

Always a lynch pin project to any major sports event...mass public transportation. And sets Durban up for the future and that "other" event.

[dysan1]

the first phase of the Go! Durban project is underway and will be fully complete by 2018. Phase 2 which is wider in scope will be completed by 2022. Totally unrelated to the commonwealth games, but the fact that it is going ahead regardless will be useful for any bidding.

[dysan1]

Well now both cities have spoken and as expected, very differently in style. Battle on

[dysan1]

Durban 2022 presentation impresses

July 21 2014

Independent Newspapers

Johannesburg - Durban was thrust into the international spotlight following an impressive and professional presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in Glasgow on Monday.

Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula, along with Sascoc president Gideon Sam, Sascoc chief executive Tubby Reddy and head of sport for the City of Durban, Vuzi Mazibuko, produced a slick presentation ahead of the other candidate for the 2022 Games, the Canadian city of Edmonton.

South Africa's ability and proven track record in hosting major events - including the football, rugby and cricket world cups - was a strong theme of the presentation, as was the fact that sport was a powerful tool in uniting the country and that Africa was yet to stage the Commonwealth Games.

We've gone through fire to get here and the 2030 plan requires sport to make the contribution to build South Africa into the giant on the continent of Africa, said Sam.

We're bold enough to say that South Africa can host any event. We've shown that to the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. We can say it is Africa's turn.

In a vibrant video shown to the general assembly, former president Nelson Mandela was shown casting his first vote in the 1994 elections in the City of Durban.

We've shown that we have the investment, infrastructure and capacity to deliver world-class events, said Reddy.

The City of Durban has invested billions of rands (some R3.4bn) in sport.

It's our turn, but more than the fact it's our turn is that we'll do a quality job, he said.

Mbalula pledged his support for Durban's bid.

We guarantee the government will play its part in hosting the most successful sporting events in South Africa. The Commonwealth Games to us are important Games in terms of what we seek to achieve collectively over the years. It's our turn as the African continent.

If you give (the Games) to Africa we guarantee you our 102 percent commitment in making it successful. Do it for Africa, the sports minister concluded.

The vote on the 2022 Commonwealth Games bid city will be conducted in Auckland on September 2 next year

[woohooitsme83]

I'd like to see said "vibrant" video.

[Sir Rols]

I'd like to see said "vibrant" video.

Here goes:

And Edmonton's:

[Sir Rols]

Hmm. Watching them, I wouldn't describe Durban's as "vibrant". But it does at least have some (vague) info for the actual bid.

Edmonton's is sure slicker, but the only message is "hello"

[woohooitsme83]

Edmonton's looks like an advert for Team Canada at Glasgow. I suppose it could also represent the diversity/sports_culture/sport_passion of Edmonton/Canada.

[Alexjc]

Deep down I think Edmonton knows it only has a slim chance next year. Still nice to see peopke giving it their all.

[ktoles]

Edmonton is the "safe, bland" choice. I don't think Durban would have a problem putting on the games at all but if CWG wants to be conservative, Edmonton would be the way to go, that being said, I live here, If somehow they do get the 2022 Games, it's going to come at a cost that people here aren't going to be prepared for. Taxpayers are already stuck footing the bill to pay for an arena owned not by the City of Edmonton, but guess who? A Billionaire! I am a Durban 2022 supporter for that reason. That being said if Edmonton is awarded the games, they'll do a good job like they did in '78 but a lot of people are going to be shocked when they see the cost of an event of this magnitude.

[Alexjc]

Edmonton is the "safe, bland" choice. I don't think Durban would have a problem putting on the games at all but if CWG wants to be conservative, Edmonton would be the way to go, that being said, I live here, If somehow they do get the 2022 Games, it's going to come at a cost that people here aren't going to be prepared for. Taxpayers are already stuck footing the bill to pay for an arena owned not by the City of Edmonton, but guess who? A Billionaire! I am a Durban 2022 supporter for that reason. That being said if Edmonton is awarded the games, they'll do a good job like they did in '78 but a lot of people are going to be shocked when they see the cost of an event of this magnitude.

Glasgow and Gold Coast are paving the way for a more economical hosting. Yes they are expensive if you want them to be, but if you want budget, look to Victoria BC to see how cheap you want to go. In the end it's the sports and atmosphere that make the CWGs special, not so much modern expensive built facilities that could end up rusting away doing nothing.

[Sir Rols]

Durban invisible as Edmonton group ramps up Games bid

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - Where is Durban?

Not on the map of South Africa. Here?

In the game behind the Games to win the bid to play host to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, that's the mystery.

Edmonton 2022 is very visible. Durban, not so much.

The Canadian contingent has been here, clearly working hard building relationships with voting delegates while building knowledge, working on the bid book and sending committee members every day for an eight hour shift in the Games Observer Program.

After presenting their 'In the name of Nelson Mandela give us these Games' hard sell to the Commonwealth Games Federation Assembly Monday, it's like Durban disappeared.

"About Durban, you are not wrong," said Commonwealth Games Canada CEO Brian MacPherson in responding to the suggestion that the South African city appears to have an entirely different strategy than their Canadian opponent.

"Durban is not enrolled in the Games Observer Program. Edmonton is. Durban does not have dedicated bid representatives in Glasgow. Edmonton does. Durban is not hosting a reception for Commonwealth Games Associations. Edmonton is."

Bid chairman Reg Milley said the Edmonton strategy, he believes, is well thought out.

"We're having one-on-one meetings with as many of the delegates as possible as this is the last time all 71 Commonwealth members are together in one place before we must submit our bid.

"We also have people on our team who are here to attend observer school and learn all they can about the technical aspects of the Commonwealth Games to ensure that our bid, when we submit it on March 2, 2015, has addressed every important technical issue.

"Our campaign is unfolding as we had planned. We still have a long way to go. But in all the meetings I have held, we are getting a very warm reception from the delegates."

Council member Amarjeet Sohi, representing the City of Edmonton until Mayor Don Iveson arrives in time for his Tuesday reception at Canada House with the delegates, said he's met most of them himself already.

"It's like a mini campaign," said the politician.

With regards to Durban, he said Edmonton's intention from start to finish of this process is going to remain the same.

"We want to be respectful to Durban."

At this stage they really aren't concerning themselves with what Durban is, or is not, doing.

"I cannot comment on their strategy as I really don't know what it is in relation to meeting with delegates, etc. I do know that Durban will be a very strong candidate city and we will have to be on our game to be successful," said Milley.

Can't believe that inquiring minds within their group don't want to know. To get the answer to the 'Where is Durban?' question, your correspondent tracked down Commonwealth Games Federation vice president and main South African bid spokesman so far, Gideon Sam.

"Remember these are initial stages of this entire process.

"There's one person here," he said of the city manager of Durban. "The rest of it is being driven by the National Olympic Committee.

"So, no, we didn't bring a lot of people here because what we want to do here is make sure we make our first step. And when we go forward. We're going to keep it small.

"We do not want to spend a lot of money on the bid process. But we know there are certain things we have to do to get a bid book ready.

"We don't have a big team like Edmonton here. From here it will be a matter of working out where the big events will be and sending two or three people to those events.

"But it all comes down to what happens a year from September when the final bids are presented in Auckland."

To my eye, Edmonton hopes to be able to win going in while Durban's strategy appears to be to do something similar to what they did with the hard sell at the bid introduction business at the assembly.

Toronto Sun

Sascoc lobbies for 2022 Games

Johannesburg – The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) on Thursday said it was making strides in petitioning for support in the country's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban.

“As the Commonwealth Games Association, Sascoc has developed an all-encompassing strategy to lobby for the 2022 Commonwealth bid,” Sascoc chief executive Tubby Reddy said in a statement.

“We have made positive strides in our petitioning to all the Commonwealth countries during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and they seem to be very forthcoming.”

Among the strategies were participation in the Glasgow 2014 Observer programme, and hosting lunches with key figures and bid presentations.

Sascoc confirmed that over 10 delegates from South Africa were taking part in the 13-day programme, including personnel from the Commonwealth Games Association, the sports department, and the City of Durban.

“It is Africa’s turn to host the Commonwealth Games and we are and will continue conveying this message to the Commonwealth countries' representatives,” Reddy said.

Sascoc president Gideon Sam said they had received positive feedback from Commonwealth country representatives.

“They believe it is Africa’s turn and indeed it is Africa’s turn,” Sam said.

“After hosting a successful Football World Cup in 2010, Sascoc continues focusing on the various aspects of society’s development. We are once again ready to invest in the hosting of one of the world's mega events.” – Sapa

Independent Online

So, we're getting some sort of picture of the bidding strategies. Canada is smiles and feel good and welcome and we're here, and Durban is lunches with Gideon Sam and "It's Africa's turn". I'm starting to feel a bit of deja vu back to 2007.

Also, are they in the Observer program or not?

[arwebb]

I understand the deja vu, but surely Durban has to be a far stronger technical bid than Abuja's was, doesn't it?

[Athensfan]

No matter what, this doesn't inspire confidence in Durban. If any journalist finds them invisible in Glasgow, something's amiss.

I'm getting the vibe that there is still no united front in South Africa. If the government and SASOC are not communicating that could derail whatever campaign they might have otherwise run in Durban.

It's hard to imagine that Durban could be involved in the observer program and yet never be seen by their opponents in the race.

At best, all this just feels ODD. And I have to say that "odd" is one of the last things you want to appear if you are a new frontier trying to prove competence.

Typo: "whatever campaign they might have otherwise run in Glasgow."

[Brekkie Boy]

As much as I'd love South Africa to finally host the games, I do wonder if the Commonwealth needs Canada to fall back in love with them and hopefully an Edmonton games would see CBC (or CTV) treat them with a bit more respect than of late.

[runningrings]

Ive been thinking that too. A South African CWG would be wonderful - but the event hasn't been in North America since 1994, so I think a Canadian bid is still as interesting.

I'll be happy with either Edmonton or Durban - leaning more toward Edmonton as they seem to be going to the effort.

[Alexjc]

Ive been thinking that too. A South African CWG would be wonderful - but the event hasn't been in North America since 1994, so I think a Canadian bid is still as interesting.

I'll be happy with either Edmonton or Durban - leaning more toward Edmonton as they seem to be going to the effort.

Gosh it looks that way at the moment, just as it was eight years ago...(eek)...Still you know, we would've seen the closing ceremony of the Halifax CWGs a fortnight ago huh?

[baron-pierreIV]

There is a new reference book called "The Complete Book of the Commonwealth Games" which is like the CWG's answer to David Wallachinsky's "The Complete Book for the (S&W) Olympics." Author is Graham Groom.

[Tony E Loves Architecture]

Again, with the same discussion about Durban being the 'First Africa Olympic Host', I think this could also be 'First Africa Commonwealth Games Host'. The Commonwealth Games Federation looks like they are considering taking the Commonwealth Games to Africa, so I believe Durban is by far the Favourite to Host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

[Alexjc]

We know this already...the CGF did tell everyone lat year that they would favour any African proposal as long as if fulfilled the strict criteria needed to host...The sheer lack of candidates simply proves only South Africa is the only capable host...

...and gee they really don't look all that enthusiastic a year out from Auckland.

[TorchbearerSydney]

I think one thing we can agree on is that half-hearted bids are not going to win any competition for Games.....its all or nothing.

[Sir Rols]

I think one thing we can agree on is that half-hearted bids are not going to win any competition for Games.....its all or nothing.

Yep. And so far Durban hasn't even been even near half-hearted. All they've done is texted in their application and gone, well I was going to say Missing In Action, but as they've shown no action I'd have to say AWOL.

I'm still hoping they get their act together, but I'm far from confident that's going to be forthcoming.