Commenting on the “vision” of potential Commonwealth Games bid, William Graham – Conservative AM for South Wales East said:
“In June 2001, I asked the Assembly Government consider undertaking a feasibility study into the possibility of bidding for the Commonwealth Games to be staged in Wales”.
“At that time we had successfully staged the FA Cup, Worthington (now Carling) Cup and division play-offs; together with the Rugby World Cup and the GB Rally. Since then we have had an Ashes Test and the Ryder Cup”.
“The Assembly Government’s response at that time was to hide behind the capital expenditure costs and that the games would not be stage in the UK for at least another 20 years”.
“Within a year after the successful Manchester Commonwealth Games; Rhodri Morgan announced ‘that he was setting up a task force to investigate a Welsh bid”
“I am pleased that after almost 10 years since I called for Wales to prepare a bid, the idea is coming to fruition”
Shadow Minister for Heritage Mohammad Asghar AM, added:
“Welsh Conservatives have been in support of a Commonwealth Games bid for Cardiff and Newport for a number of years.
“This remains another excellent opportunity for Wales to consolidate its reputation as a world class venue for sporting events.
“Today’s announcement is encouraging news, and although there may still be some work to do, Welsh Conservatives would entertain any bid proposal favourably.”
