[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/CWGlogo.gif” caption=”Commonwealth Games Canada”]This morning, the Commonwealth Games Bid Review Committee announced that Halifax will represent Canada in the international bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hamilton was in the running against Halifax, Ottawa and York Region in the domestic phase of the competition.

“I'd like to extend my appreciation to those from McMaster and the community who provided such strong leadership, commitment and support to this phase of the competition,” says McMaster President Peter George. “Hamilton's bid was outstanding and the whole team deserves our thanks and admiration.”

Roger Trull, vice-president of University Advancement and vice-chair of Hamilton's bid committee, agrees. “It's disappointing. Although we were not selected as the Canadian representative in the international phase of the competition, in my eyes, we still won. The connections McMaster has made and the spirit that arose out of this bid was incredible.”

The Commonwealth Games was born in Hamilton in 1930 as the British Empire Games and includes 10 days of competition, more than 6,000 athletes and officials, 2,500 international media, 600 VIP's and a television audience of more than 1 billion worldwide. If successful, McMaster would have played a major role as a partner in the Games, including hosting the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, sports competitions and medical support.

In 2003, the City of Hamilton lost its international campaign to host the 2010 Games to Delhi, India.