Concerns Raised Over Durban Commonwealth Games Bid

(ATR) The former head of the Commonwealth Games Federation is not happy that Durban is not promoting their 2022 bid.

Speaking to Around the Rings, Michael Fennel said Edmonton has presented a well-thought-out bid, but in comparison, the South African port city has offered very few details.

"It concerns us," he said.

Durban is aiming to be the first South African city to host the Commonwealth Games, while Edmonton is a known commodity, Fennel said.

One indication of the two bids’ approaches: Edmonton 2022 has a splashy website while a Google and Facebook search for Durban Commonwealth Games does not yield any official pages.

The first-time status for Durban is both a blessing and a curse. Fennel said, "It’s not a right" to stage the games, and many CGF members have reservations about visiting new hosts after the Delhi 2010 Games. Those were marred by corruption and mismanagement and have doomed an Indian Olympic bid for the foreseeable future.

"Everybody looks for security," Fennel said. "This is not the time to take risks."

However, Steve Stoute, chairman of the Barbados Olympic Association, which organizes the country’s Commonwealth Games efforts, says Edmonton’s history means "it is at a distinct disadvantage" compared to Durban.

Stoute says he thinks the games can go to a new city.

"From my perspective, the Commonwealth Games movement is very healthy," he said.

The bids will make their first formal pitches to Commonwealth members later this month.

The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees will meet in Bridgetown, Barbados October 15-17, with room on the agenda allotted for presentations from the bid cities.

With 12 Commonwealth countries, the Caribbean is a vote-rich area for Commonwealth Games aspirants.

Written by Ed Hula III

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