2022 Games cynics know cost of everything but value of nothing
to see how the Australians have handled it, what works, what doesn’t and what they can improve on.
The University of Birmingham’s sporting director, Zena Wooldridge, watched the hockey, which her campus will be hosting in 2022.
She said she has learned about the sheer space needed to give spectators a good experience. Others have been checking security arrangements, how to deal with worldwide media demands, the athletes’ village facilities and the spectator experience.
Members of the delegation are also meeting business representatives in Brisbane to talk up investment opportunities in the West Midlands.
There is a reason these events have special observer programmes – so future hosts and bidders can see what’s required.
That is why last year Birmingham commissioned consultants like Sir Keith Mills and Debbie Jevons – organisers of the London Olympics and 2015 Rugby World Cup – to ensure the Birmingham bid stacked up.
But the naysayers’ tiresome cry is why not spend the £10,000 being shelled out by West Midlands Police for its five delegates on Birmingham’s homeless problem instead?
But cancelling the Commonwealth Games is not going to solve the homeless problem, is it?
However, the 1,000-plus homes soon to be built in Perry Barr as a direct result of securing the Games will do more to help the housing situation here than any money spent on a few air fares and hotel bills.
THE first big sign that Birmingham 2022 is coming will be when the Lord Mayor Anne Underwood receives the Commonwealth flag during the closing ceremony in the Gold Coast Stadium on Sunday.
And this week we got a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the rehearsals for the Birmingham performance.
Hundreds of 16-25 year-old dancers and singers will be involved in a chorus of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky.
While the young artists who will be performing – rapper Lady Sanity, film maker Daniel Alexander, poet Amerah Saleh and dancer Celine Gittens – were introduced to the media.
They were not only clearly talented but proved to be confident and enthusiastic.
They will make great ambassadors for our city.
Cancelling the Commonwealth Games is not going to solve the homeless problem, is it?