Sport England chief backs Birmingham to benefit from 'meaningful' legacy

ON THE field of play, there is no question that Birmingham 2022 has been a success but for Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth, it is the long-term legacy that will define these Commonwealth Games. Organised at relatively short notice after initial host Durban was forced to pull out, Birmingham has lived up to its reputation as one of Britain's youngest and most diverse cities.

Ad From the construction of a brand-new swimming pool at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre to the renovation of Alexander Stadium, the physical impact of these Games will be tangible. AthleticsCoach Minichiello banned for life over sexually inappropriate conduct3 HOURS AGO But just as crucially for Hollingsworth will be ensuring that when the Commonwealth movement turns its gaze towards Australia in 2026, that sport in Birmingham and the West Midlands is not forgotten.

That is why Sport England has invested more than £35 million of funding from The National Lottery and Government in a wide-ranging programme aimed at creating inclusive and affordable local opportunities for people to get active, as well as collaborating with local organisations and communities to improve access to sport and activity. Hollingsworth explained: «One of the most important things is that the local communities around Birmingham and the West Midlands feel the benefit of having had these Games.

We should always really see multi-sport Games like the Commonwealths as jumping off moments for legacy, not moments where things culminate. »The support of National Lottery players and UK Government has given us the opportunity to proudly invest in the games, create opportunities and create a meaningful, lasting legacy.