McMaster joins 2014 Commonwealth Games bid

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McMaster will support Hamilton's second go at bringing the Commonwealth Games to the Steel City.

In 2003, the City of Hamilton lost its campaign to host the 2010 Games to Delhi, India. But McMaster President Peter George is confident the City has a better chance at capturing the Games this time around.

In today's Hamilton Spectator, George said he'd heard “internationally the sentiment among some members of the Commonwealth is that they owe Hamilton one.”

McMaster, The Hamilton Spectator, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Fluke Transport/Fox 40 and other partners already have pledged $60,000 and may raise more to support the bid preparation.

Hamilton City Council voted 10-1 to go ahead with another bid Monday.

Halifax, runner-up to Hamilton in the contest to be Canada's bidder last time, is the only declared contender for 2014. But Toronto, York Region and Calgary are reportedly considering entries before Friday's deadline.

“If we don't compete, then of course Halifax or Toronto will have it over us,” said George.

If Hamilton is again chosen, it will likely be challenging Glasgow, Scotland, and possibly cities in South Africa and Nigeria.

Whichever Canadian city is picked in December will have to prepare an international bid by May 2007.

The Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly will meet in November 2007 to select a host for the 2014 event.

(With files from The Hamilton Spectator)