Future of Commonwealth Games in doubt

THE future of the Commonwealth Games in modern-day sports is being put under increasing pressure and is yet again under the microscope following the latest news that the Canadian province of Alberta, the only bidder for the 2030 staging, has withdrawn its bid due to increasing cost associated with the hosting of the games. This comes on the heels of Victoria’s (Australian State) withdrawal from the 2026 staging which was also said to be due to rising cost which has left the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) scrambling for not one, but the next two hosting cities.

Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, believes the latest news is a major blow to both the CGF and the games itself. Samuda added that this, however, could be the chance for organisers to use the opportunity to revise the present model of the games.

“The announcement from the officials of Alberta province of its withdrawal from the 2030 Commonwealth Games is again a body blow for the CGF and the games itself and coming after Victoria’s withdrawal from the 2026 Games, it’s really staggering. However, with every blow there’s an opportunity to regroup, reassess, rebrand and revise the commercial model of the games,” Samuda said.

The JOA boss says the CGF should draw on international partners to help make the product marketable again and this should be top priority.

“It’s also an opportunity to strategise the monetisation and marketability of the product and to pursue an aggressive engagement of international partners and capital within and external to the Commonwealth as the consistent reason for the withdrawal of host cities is affordability,” he explained.

EFFECTS ON ATHLETES

Samuda further stated that a possible cancellation of the Commonwealth Games will not only bar athletes from adding to their medal tally but will affect their financial welfare.

“Certainly, if it (Commonwealth Games) comes off the international calendar it would be a disappointment for our athletes because our athletes look forward to the games, not only to excel but towards their economic welfare as well. If you medal at an international event, particularly at the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games then of course it increases your ability to attract sponsors and capital, so in that respect we wouldn’t wish any of the games to be cancelled,” he said.

The first Commonwealth Games was hosted in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Each games was scheduled for every four years after but the renewals in 1942 (host city Montreal, Canada) and 1946 (Cardiff, Wales) were cancelled due to World War Two. The games have been held every four years since 1950.

As a country, Jamaica has had a strong presence at the games, participating at 17 of the 20 previous renewals while tallying a total of 161 medals (59 gold, 47 silver and 55 bronze). Jamaica hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1966.

orane.buchanan@gleanejrm.com