adminThe South African government is to consider a proposal to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.Gideon Sam, president of the South African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee (SASCOC), hopes to bring the Games to Africa for the first time.“I do believe it is Africa’s turn,” Sam told the BBC.
A spokesperson from the South African department of sport and recreation said sports minister Fikile Mbalula had received the application and backs it.
Speaking with the BBC’s Queen’s Baton Relay reporter Mark Beaumont, Sam added: “The time is right for them [Africa] to host the Commonwealth Games.
“In South Africa, we can host these games easily. Infrastructure is there. The know-how is there after hosting so many international competitions.
“We have already submitted our documentation. Once they give the go ahead, it is all systems go.”
The sports ministry will now work with SASCOC before making a presentation to the South African cabinet, who will make the final decision.
Sam said an internal bidding process would determine which city is put forward, with Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in the running.
Sam is also the vice president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the body with overall responsibility for running the Games.
In January, the CGF said it was concerned that no nation had registered a serious interest to host the 2022 Games yet, with an initial deadline in March.
A spokesman stressed the March date is for “expressions of interest”, with submissions after this date also considered until the final deadline of March 2015.- BBC.
Online Reporter