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Durban 2022 Set To Pump $1.49 Billion Into SA Economy

Durban 2022 Set To Pump $1.49 Billion Into SA Economy

South African coastal city Durban was officially chosen as the host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Wednesday’s Federation general assembly in New Zealand, and the decision is set to benefit the South African economy with over $1 billion expected to be injected into the country.

The Kwazulu Natal city became the only host bidder for the multi-sports competition following the withdrawal of Canada’s Edmonton in February, due to financial concerns.

The competition is set to take place from July 18-30, opening on the former South African president Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the South African city of Durban as proud hosts of the 22nd Commonwealth Games,” the outgoing CGF president Prince Tunku Imran announced at the general assembly.

“As a movement we stand together to support the very first games on African soil.”

The Commonwealth Games have been held since 1930, with the competition taking place every four years, as athletes from over 50 countries compete.

“We are ready to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time on African soil,” CGF vice-president and South African Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam said, according to SuperSport.

“The fundamental premise of our submission is that the games will provide the opportunity at both an economic and social level in particular the development and inspiration of young people not only in South Africa but the rest of the Commonwealth. Youth empowerment sits as the core of our legacy program, a legacy that will begin with your awarding of the Games,” Sam added.

Bid chief executive Mark Alexander explained that the Commonwealth Games would boost South Africa’s economy, with the government estimating that hosting the competition would produce around 20 billion rand ($1.49 billion) in output to the economy.

“All of our plans fit into the country’s 2030 development plans,” Alexander told the media.

“What it will do is accelerate the infrastructure development. It will accelerate grass roots sport development and it will create job opportunities and boost tourism in the area,” he explained.