CGF Emphasizes Security in Final Gold Coast 2018 CoComm

(ATR) The Commonwealth Games Federation touts the possibilities that arise with hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Leaders of the CGF visited the host city for its final Coordination Commission inspection, with less than four months until the Gold Coast 2018 opening ceremony on April 4

CGF vice president Bruce Robertson led the four-day visit and said security preparations were emphasized as the Games approach.

"Naturally, as we approach the Games, the focus has turned increasingly to security and risk mitigation, and so I was pleased to be assured this week of the robust process in place to ensure that Gold Coast 2018 will offer the most enjoyable experience for athletes, spectators and residents alike," Robertson said in a statement.

The CoComm chair added that "considerable progress" had been made by the Gold Coast Organizing Committee (GOLDOC) since the last CoComm visit in June. Ticket sale and volunteer numbers have significantly improved according to organizers.

An update on the Queen’s Baton Relay was also given to the CoComm. The torch relay will arrive in Australia on Dec. 24 to mark the 100-day countdown to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

CGF President Louise Martin said the stage is set for a "truly remarkable sporting spectacle".

As the CGF prepares for the 2018 edition of the Games, uncertainty still surrounds the 2022 edition since Durban, South Africa withdrew its hosting rights in March. While several cities expressed initial interest, but Birmingham, England was the only city to meet the bid application deadline of Sept. 30.

However, the CGF found Birmingham’s bid "not fully compliant" with their criteria and extended the deadline to Nov. 30. CGF President Martin updated the CGF Executive Board on the selection process during the CoComm in Gold Coast.

"The CGF is close to making a decision to select the host city of the 2022 Games," Martin said in a statement. "We thank all nations who have participated in the process. We are also close to achieving significant Games legacy objectives, however we have been asked to provide a little more time in order for these to be realized, and in the interest of good partnership we have decided to allow this."

Martin says the CGF will make its decision before the end of the year but will remain "flexible and collaborative" in the selection process.

Still the sole bidder, the Birmingham City Council officially backed the Commonwealth Games bid during its meeting today, according to reports from the BBC.

"These kind of events do not come cheap," City Council leader Ian Ward told the BBC. "We will be carrying risks going forward but we balance that with the opportunity."

Vote now for your favorite sports city! The Sports City Poll closes Dec. 31. The poll ranks the top 50 cities most strongly associated with sport. Results January 2018.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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