Eleanor Burnham, Assembly Member for North Wales has welcomed the news that the Welsh Assembly Government is to launch a consultation on a ten-year Major Events Strategy for Wales.
Commenting, Eleanor, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, said, “As a member of the Communities and Culture Committee I am involved in the current investigation into Major Sporting Events in Wales.
“Evidence we have heard from experts has raised major concerns about a lack of urgency from the Government to date and I would expect the Government to take our findings on board in the formulation of this Strategy.
“We know that the Ryder Cup will raise our profile in the world just as the Millennium Stadium has done, but we have also heard testimony that underlines the key role we have in ensuring positive and proactive legacies from major event investment in Wales.
“It’s a pity that Wales will not reap much of a benefit from the 2012 Olympics, particularly since such a huge slice of lottery money has been diverted from Wales to fund the Games.
“Who knows how many cultural community events and projects have been wiped out in the past year due to a lack of funding?
“The Tourism Strategy straddles both the Culture and Economy portfolios. Great sporting events in Wales can stimulate wider cultural events and benefit the economy. An informed, imaginative Strategy is an essential resource for Wales’ future”.
