Liverpool Planning To Make A Bid For 2026 Commonwealth Games

 

Liverpool is planning to make a bid to stage the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with a host of sporting stars lending their support. The city announced at precisely 8.26pm (20.26) on Tuesday that it hopes to be in with a chance of holding the most inclusive Commonwealth Games ever and could submit its bid in as little as 13 months, with the Games still a decade away.

Former footballers Jamie Carragher and Graeme Sharp, Olympian gymnast Beth Tweddle and Rio heptathlon hopeful Katarina Johnson-Thompson will act as ambassadors alongside WBC world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said he was delighted with the backing the plans have already received from local sportsmen and women. He said: “Liverpool is an ambitious city and I believe we have an enormous amount to offer when it comes to hosting an event of this scale, which would be an incredibly important catalyst for regeneration, investment and raising the profile of sport. The Games will reflect our growing confidence and expertise in organising large events which create memories for a lifetime and bring the world together, with opportunities for people and places across the city region I'm delighted that we already have a raft of local sporting heroes backing our plans and our aim to host the most inclusive Commonwealth Games ever in 2026.”

The first steps will see an assessment of the city's infrastructure against the technical requirements set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation, as well as a financial appraisal to look at key factors required to deliver the high-profile event.

A final decision as to whether Liverpool will be nominated as being the UK city to bid for the Games will be made in September 2018. The ultimate decision as to who will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be confirmed in September 2019 by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly.