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.”

Trinidad and Tobago,Auckland -New Zealand and Abuja-Nigeria had all at indicated an interest in submitting a 2018 bid.
Following feasibility studies and in depth consultations with government the three Commonwealth Games Associations decided not to progress their intention to bid.

T&T CGA president Larry Romany said it is an encouraging sign that two cities have decided to bid. He was not prepared to provide a hint as to which way T&T would lean as he felt it is important not to make premature judgments until the two cities release the full extent of their bid offer.
 
Romany has no regrets about T&T's decision not to progress a bid as he is confident that the reasons for doing so were in the best interest of the public and the country.

" Our due diligence and honest analysis with the Government resulted in the view that it was not in the best interest of the country to make a bid at this time. I am comfortable with the decision .Gold Coast and Hambantota have decided to go ahead. Like us Auckland and Abuja have not."