Games-Birmingham gives Games a rousing send off and new relevance

BIRMINGHAM, England : The Birmingham Commonwealth Games reached a high-octane conclusion on Monday by celebrating 11 days of compelling competition and sending the multi-sport event back to Australia in 2026 with new relevance and purpose.

Certainly Birmingham had plenty of reason to party having come to the Games' rescue on short notice after Durban, South Africa was stripped of them and delivered what by almost every standard was a hugely successful event.

More than 1.5 million tickets were sold as spectators packed into venues, creating a buzz across the West Midlands that officials say will linger for years and could lead to a possible Olympic bid in the future.

"These Games have been bold, buzzing and absolutely brilliant," Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin told a capacity crowd at Alexander Stadium during the closing ceremonies.

"Athletes 11 days ago I asked you to seize the moment - with 877 medals awarded, 97 Commonwealth records and four world records broken you all rose to the challenge.

"As we bring these Games to a close please remember this is not the end."

More important than medals the Games forged a new identity in Birmingham by focusing on innovation, diversity and inclusion rather than new arenas and stadiums.

Sometimes viewed as a relic of the British Empire's colonial past, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has looked to an innovative future in Birmingham by embracing inclusion and accessibility in ways not seen at a major international competition.

WOMEN'S EVENTS

For the first time at a major multi-sport event there were more medal events for women (136) than men (134) at the Commonwealth Games and a record eight integrated para-sports with podium finishes counting in the overall