Durban Named as Hosts of 2022 Commonwealth Games

Photo Credit: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Durban has been unveiled as the Commonwealth Games host for 2022.

South Africa (02 September 2015) – The announcement was made this morning in Auckland, New Zealand.

Although the four-yearly multi-sport event turned 85 this year, no African country has staged it.

Canadian city and previous hosts Edmonton withdrew from the 2022 race last February, citing oil price-related financial concerns, leaving the South African port as the only bidder.

Moses Mabhida Stadium will play a major role in hosting the games, while the Rachel Finlayson Swimming Complex, just a few kilometres away on the promenade, will serve as the aquatics centre.

“We believe our time has come and that South Africa can put on a show that will do the Commonwealth Games proud.”

As the Fifa World Cup did in 2010, 2022 will be yet another milestone as the African continent gets set to host it’s first ever Commonwealth Games.

South Africa hosted the All Africa Games in 1999, but this will be the country’s first chance to host a global multi-coded sporting event.

Durban was the only city that bid to host the Games.

South Africa have successfully hosted the three biggest single-sport events — the cricket, rugby union and football World Cups — and Sam says a multi-sport event is the natural next step.