We are just a few weeks now from the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where millions of eyes across the globe will be on the West Midlands for eleven days of elite sporting action.
I was delighted when Birmingham won the right to host the Games back in 2017, and I am looking forward to the attention and investment it will bring to our region, as well as the sporting legacy it will leave behind for future generations afterwards.
Back in May I had the privilege of being at the new Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, which will host the diving and swimming competitions, for a ‘Prep the Pool’ test event. There was a great atmosphere amongst the spectators and the facilities, which include an Olympic sized pool, a 4-court sports hall, two gyms and an indoor cycling studio, will provide a great facility for Sandwell residents when the Games are complete.
With twenty disciplines included in the Games programme, including parasports for elite athletes with disabilities, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and for those unable to get to events I am pleased to see the BBC offering multi-stream coverage across their platforms.
I hope that the legacy of the games will be to inspire more people to take up sport, and it was great to drop in at the Halesowen Health Games a few weeks ago, where there were various sports and activities to have a go at, and even an appearance from Perry, the official Games mascot! As a cricket fan and as a keen runner I know that physical exercise is also beneficial for mental wellbeing, and across our constituency we have plenty of great sporting facilities and green spaces for keeping active.
Finally, I’m sure you will join me in sending best wishes to all England’s athletes as they get ready to compete, and let’s hope we can go one better than 2018 and finish top of the medals table this time round!
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 14th July 2022,
PHOTO: James with Perry, the official Commonwealth Games mascot, in Halesowen in May 2022.
