There have been questions raised recently about the relevance of the Commonwealth Games. From witnessing the 2018 games on the Gold Coast in April, I can ensure everyone that the games have meaning.
Having seen the spirit and dedication on display, I truly believe that the Commonwealth Games are valuable and should be encouraged.
New Zealand last hosted a Commonwealth Games in 1990 when Auckland welcomed the nations of the Commonwealth. Now, 28 years on, bidding is now open for the 2026 games to take place in eight year’s time. This is a golden chance for New Zealand to rise once again and host a festival of Commonwealth Nations – truly one of the world’s biggest and most important sporting events.
Following the disasterous earthquake in Christchurch in 2011, Christchurch would be a fitting place to host the games. The Gold Coast games in April showed the world that any city can achieve a dream of hosting the games if your heart is there and the determination to succeed to prove the doubters wrong also exists.
Auckland is a world city and would prove to be a winner should New Zealand choose them as their bidding partner. Christchurch is a smaller city that needs a big event like the Commonwealth Games to rise them off the ashes.
The inclusion of new sporting infrastructure, accommodation and other tourism areas will not only boost Christchurch but also New Zealand.
The New Zealand city of Wellington placed a bid for the 2006 games which were awarded to Melbourne but withdrew late in the piece.
Possible cities to have shown interest in the games include Kuala Lumpur, Port Moresby, and Edmonton while Greater Victoria and various Canadian cities have started preparing bids for the 2030 edition.
New Zealanders love their sport and deserve a Commonwealth Games to come and unite Kiwi Sporting fans once again.
peeeko
Roar Guru
its because no is interested in hosting. the reason people dont like it is because its a colonial relic - plenty of other geography games out there like the Asian games, african games etc
gurudoright
Roar Rookie
I think the Commonwealth Games could unite Kiwi sports fan if held in NZ. Unfortunately due to its size, NZ will never host the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and properly not even the Rugby World Cup as a sole host again. What else besides the a Commonwealth Games could the Kiwis host that would be able to unite the whole of NZ?
gurudoright
Roar Rookie
I know a lot of people are against the Commonwealth Games but I don’t understand the hate. It’s a sports competition. Is it trying to be the Olympics? No. Do they think it’s as big or grand as the Olympics? No. I like it, it’s a sports filler when there isn’t much else on. How can that be a bad thing? I hope New Zealand or Canada do bid and do get the games, it has been too long . The UK and Australia between them will have hosted the games 5 out of the last 6 games by the time Birmingham host in 2022 - Manchester, Melbourne, “New Delhi”, Glasgow, Gold Coast and Birmingham
peeeko
Roar Guru
there is nothing to suggest that a commonwealth games would boost NZ. no one wants to host these games, only the upstart Gold Coast wanted this years games no one "deserves" the commonwealth games, it just goes to whoever is silly enough to pay. only 2 countries were interested in 2022 and Edmonton pulled out and the winner Durban pulled out later. you really think the Commonwealth games will unite kiwi sporting fans once again?