Birmingham 2022 makes history

On the final day of the XXII Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Dame Louise Martin declared that history making Birmingham 2022 has been a catalyst for positive change.

Birmingham 2022 has set a new benchmark for Commonwealth sport. It was the first time more medals have been awarded to women than men, the largest ever integrated para programme and the most sustainable Commonwealth Games ever hosted. It was also the first major multi-sport event to be hosted with packed stadia and arenas since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organised and delivered in just four and a half years, Birmingham 2022 transformed the city. 30,000 fans packed out the spectacular Alexander Stadium for 12 consecutive athletics sessions, while more than 1.5million fans filled venues across the region for 11 days of competition, creating an electric atmosphere for athletes.

The Games will leave a lasting impact too. 40,000 jobs and volunteering opportunities have been created and £38million of investment to help those who need the most support to get physically active is in place. A further £21 million of government investment will help cement the profile of the city and region as a destination of choice which the Commonwealth Games platform has helped create.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE said:

“We are emerging from one of the most challenging periods in modern history, where the Covid-19 pandemic has kept us apart. Birmingham 2022 proved to be a special moment when we reunited, when the power of sport to connect us came into sharp focus.

Not only have we witnessed some iconic sporting moments, we’ve also enjoyed the warmest of welcomes from the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond who have made the Games so much more than just a sporting competition.

Birmingham has put on a Commonwealth Games unlike any we’ve seen before. The passionate support across all 19 sports created an atmosphere which spurred our Commonwealth athletes onto new heights.

Thank you to Birmingham for everything you have done to welcome the Commonwealth with pride, humanity and open arms. What a bold, buzzing and brilliant city.”

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, Katie Sadlier said: “The summer of 2022 will go down in history as a major moment for women’s sport. The Commonwealth Games can take great pride in the role it played in that as hockey, cricket and netball teams battled it out for gold on Super Sunday in front of packed stadia and arenas.

“The future is bright for Commonwealth sport, that is clear from the brilliant spectacle we’ve witnessed over the past 11 days.

“As the focus turns to Victoria 2026, the Commonwealth Sport Movement has emerged stronger than ever thanks to the outstanding contribution of Birmingham 2022.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“I'm so proud of the way Birmingham has come together to stage an unforgettable Commonwealth Games. This has been a celebration of everything that's great about our city and perceptions and our global image has changed immeasurably for the better over the last 11 days. The Games have given us a springboard for what will be a golden decade as we continue show what it means to be bold, be Birmingham.”

Photograph courtesy of Team England.