Melbourne is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after desperate organisers approached the city as they struggle to find a host city.
The desperate Commonwealth Games Federation approached Melbourne about the possibility of holding the games this month.
‘It’s not a goer, but it’s being looked at,’ a source close to the deliberations told the Herald Sun.
‘It’s not at a point yet where a bid has been approved, but it’s being worked through.’
Melbourne is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the South African city of Durban drops out (pictured, fireworks close the 2006 Commonwealth Games hosted at Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Melbourne is now on the cards after Durban in South Africa withdrew due to a number of missed deadlines and financial issues.
The city of Birmingham in England was fast-tracked to 2022 to fill the slot, creating the vacancy for the 2026 games.
Chair of the 2030 Commonwealth games taskforce, Chair Adem Karafili, supported the move to bring the event forward.
‘We knew from day one this concept would make sense and I think Covid has made it even more achievable,’ he told the publication.
‘It’s designed to ensure that existing infrastructure is upgraded and revamped rather than building wholescale new facilities. It would also be a legacy piece for regional cities to be able to bid for national and international championships.’
A feasibility study will be conducted to determine if Victoria can accomodate the event with a focus on regional centres.
Pictured: The Opening Ceremony fireworks for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne
Shepparton, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo are set to be involved in the bid.
Western Australia recently pulled its bid for the 2026 games while Adelaide publicly announced it had no interest in putting forth one.
Sydney showed some interest to host the games at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush, however it is currently focusing on major international sports events.
Queensland is also ruled out while it focusses on the lead up to hosting the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.
Melbourne saw great success when it hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2006.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip opened the ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to an estimated television audience of 1.5 billion viewers.
The 11-day event boosted the state’s economy by $1.6 billion over a 20-year period and created around 13,600 jobs for Victorians.
Source: Daily Mail
