Two cities nominate for 2018 Commonwealth Games

Two cities have submitted a formal nomination to the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Gold Coast in Australia and the Sri Lankan city of Hambantota met the CGF’s deadline of March 31 to nominate as a candidate city.

Each will now build their candidature in the hope of being selected as the 2018 host city by the CGF General Assembly, consisting of representatives of all 71 member nations and territories, when it meets in St Kitts and Nevis in October, 2011.

Commonwealth Games Federation President, Mike Fennell, is delighted that cities from two different Commonwealth regions have put themselves forward to host the 2018 Games. “It is most pleasing to have two cities from different regions of the Commonwealth vying for the right to host the 2018 Games,” Mr Fennell said.

“We have India hosting the Games for the first time in 2010, Glasgow already selected for the 2014 Games as a European host, and now we know we will be in either the Oceania or Asia region for the 2018 edition. “Each city has recognized the enormous benefits that flow from hosting a Commonwealth Games. A successful bid provides an opportunity to provide a legacy for future generations.

“I am confident that each city will put forward a strong case for selection. “The Commonwealth Games Federation thanks both the Gold Coast and Hambantota for their interest and commitment, and we certainly wish them the best as they try to win the prize of hosting the 21st Commonwealth Games.”