mar.09.2007
The Commonwealth Games Federation wishes to express its profound regret at the decision by Canadian city Halifax to withdraw from the bidding process for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Mike Hooper, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was informed of the news late Thursday (March 8) by Dr Andrew Pipe, President of Commonwealth Games Canada. In confirming the withdrawal, Dr Pipe expressed his extreme disappointment and astonishment at the decision taken by the Province of Nova Scotia and the City of Halifax to no longer provide funding for the bid.
Mike Fennell, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “It is a great disappointment that this has happened, especially for Canadian athletes and the people of Halifax who have lost the opportunity of staging one of the most prestigious events on the international sporting calendar. We are aware of the considerable amount of work and effort over many months, firstly by Commonwealth Games Canada with the internal Canadian bid process and subsequently by the Halifax Bid Committee and we thank them for their interest and commitment to the Games.”
“After superb Games in Manchester in 2002 and Melbourne in 2006 and looking ahead to Delhi in 2010 the Commonwealth Games is firmly recognised as a major world event, delivering a substantial legacy to the cities which host the event. The possibility of this happening in 2014 is now sadly lost to Halifax – and Canada.
“I sincerely hope this does not damage Canada's credibility in staging sport’s events in the long term. They have hosted successful Commonwealth Games before and I am sure they will again at some point in the future,” added Mr Fennell.
Chief Executive Mike Hooper said: “This was totally unexpected, but we will now go forward with two excellent bids from Abuja, Nigeria, and Glasgow, Scotland. From what we know, both cities have excellent credentials and we are anticipating a close contest.”
In response to media enquiries Mr Hooper also confirmed that there was no possibility of another Canadian city picking up the baton for 2014 from Halifax. “Despite the enormous interest in Canada to stage the 2014 Games, this late withdrawal by Halifax means there is no possibility of a substitute.”
The formal bid documents have to be presented to the Commonwealth Games Federation in London on May 9. The final vote between Abuja and Glasgow will be taken by the CGF’s 71 member nations at their General Assembly in Sri Lanka on November 9.
For more information, contact Mike Hooper on +44 (0) 7 8180 46767 or +44 20 7491 8801.