[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/CWG_announcement_opt.jpg” caption=”CWG announcement”]The Commonwealth Games Federation selected New Delhi, India today as the host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The final vote tally by the members of the Commonwealth Games Federation members at its General Assembly was New Delhi 46 and Hamilton 22.

“From the beginning this process has been about collaboration and teamwork,” said McMaster University President Peter George.

“Although today's outcome is not what we had hoped for, I know I speak
for everyone involved in the bid from McMaster that we are proud to have been a full partner in this exciting process. I want to congratulate all of our partners — the federal and provincial governments, the City of Hamilton and The Hamilton Spectator — for their commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication to producing an excellent bid. McMaster continues to be committed to creating a community of discovery and learning that continually strives for excellence.”

Jagoda Pike, chair of the Hamilton 2010 Bid Corporation said: “Although I'm very disappointed that the 2010 Games will not be coming to Hamilton, I have to say that this entire journey has been amazing. We had a strong team and committed partners, which will in itself result in a superb legacy for our community. I am very proud of our accomplishments during both the domestic and international phases of Hamilton's bid for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was an honour and a privilege to have worked with such an excellent group of individuals.”

Claude Bennett, president of Commonwealth Games Canada, congratulated the Hamilton team. “The Hamilton 2010 Bid Corporation did everything in its power to produce an outstanding bid. Although we are disappointed that the Games will not be coming to Canada, the excellence of Hamilton's bid proved that Canada is a player on the world stage of sporting events. The Commonwealth Games' family is better because of Hamilton's participation in this process. Well done Hamilton.”

Sheila Copps, Canada's minister of Canadian heritage, an enthusiastic supporter of the bid since day one, said, “I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our partners and the countless volunteers and community leaders who put together a solid bid. The Government of Canada has been a proud partner in Hamilton's bid, and as a result, relationships between all levels of government are now stronger. This bid will also create important, positive legacies, including an ongoing commitment to international development through sport, and the sharing of culture and diversity.”

“This decision is unfortunate for Canada as the hosting of a major games helps strengthen the Canadian sport system,” said secretary of state (physical activity and sport) Paul DeVillers. “Hosting provides all sport participants and athletes with world-class facilities and enhanced sport programs. We will continue to support strategic hosting opportunities in Canada to strengthen Canada's goal of becoming a leading sport nation by 2012.”

Jim Bradley, Ontario's minister of tourism and recreation said that he was disappointed that the 2010 Games will not be coming to Ontario. “I and all Ontarians are tremendously proud of the Hamilton bid team and their excellent presentation,” said Bradley. “I would also like to congratulate India for their successful bid and wish them well in hosting the games.”

Hamilton's mayor Robert Wade said: “Hamilton can be proud of the accomplishments achieved in coming this far with the 2010 bid. I thank all our partners and especially the people of our community for their unwavering support of the bid over these many months. As the world experienced with the successful Road World Cycling Championships and Bell Canadian Open, now the Commonwealth has seen the pride and spirit that defines the community of Hamilton. It is testament to Hamilton as a world class sport city.”

The Games would have had a major impact on McMaster University, host of the Games Village and a number of competitions.

Canada last hosted the Games in Victoria, British Columbia in 1994, where incidentally, it defeated New Delhi for the right to host the Games. The 2002 edition was hosted by Manchester, England, with the next Games being held in March 2006, in Melbourne, Australia.

Photo caption: With fingers crossed, enthusiastic Hamilton bid supporters look up at the Jumbotron at Copps Coliseum, waiting anxiously for the announcement of who will host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay