Halifax Wins Canadian Nomination for Commonwealth Games Bid

Halifax has won the contest to be Canada's choice as host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The selection committee for Commonwealth Games Canada made the announcement today, Dec. 15, in Toronto.

"This is a great day for Halifax, for Nova Scotia, and the entire Atlantic region," said Premier John Hamm. "The selection committee clearly realized what we've known all along: we have a fantastic team behind the bid, great community spirit and support, and a province that is ideally suited for such a world-class sporting event."

Halifax beat out three Ontario cities for the Canadian bid: Hamilton, Ottawa, and York Regional Municipality. Now, Halifax faces competition from Glasgow, Scotland, and Abuja, Nigeria, to host the Commonwealth Games. That decision will be made in the fall of 2007 in Sri Lanka.

"We have won the preliminary round, now we are focused on the ultimate prize -- bringing the Commonwealth Games to Atlantic Canada," said Rodney MacDonald, minister responsible for amateur sport. Mr. MacDonald attended the announcement today in Toronto on behalf of the province.

Premier Hamm praised the team behind the Halifax bid. "On behalf of the province of Nova Scotia, I want to thank organizing chair Fred MacGillivray and the many dedicated people who have worked so hard to get us this far," said the premier. "I was pleased to act as honourary co-chair of the bid with Mayor Peter Kelly and look forward to continued co-operation between the provincial and municipal governments."

Hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games would make a big economic impact on the province, Premier Hamm said. Most importantly, the Games would get many more young Nova Scotians more involved in sport and recreation, while a new stadium, field house and aquatic centre would leave a lasting legacy for the region.

"I want to thank my colleagues, Premier Bernard Lord of New Brunswick, Premier Pat Binns of Prince Edward Island, and Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador, for their unwavering support for our bid.

"All along, the Halifax bid has enjoyed enormous support from the Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians," said Premier Hamm. "Now, we look forward to the support of all Canadians as we focus on bringing the Commonwealth Games to Canada in 2014."

The Games would likely be spread over 10 days, involve 17 sports, and attract 6,900 athletes from around the world.