Birmingham Commonwealth Games reveals new identity
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has announced its commitment to organising a ‘Games for Everyone’ and revealed a new brand and vision for the Games.
The new identity was revealed at the Commonwealth Social event in Birmingham on Saturday 27th 2019.
The event included a series of live performances from regional dance and musical groups and the chance to try Commonwealth cuisine, thanks to local street food traders from Digbeth Dining Club.
Budding young sports stars were also be given the opportunity to take part in demonstrations, receiving advice and encouragement from 15 Team England athletes, including five Commonwealth Gold medallists: boxer Galal Yafai, netballer Ama Abgeze, para athlete Katrina Hart and gymnasts Dominick Cunningham and Alice Kinsella.
In 2022 the Games will see 6,500 athletes and team officials from 71 different nations flock to Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 chief executive officer, said: “In three years’ time, millions of people from across the globe will join us in celebrating the opening of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which is why it will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly put this city and vibrant region on the map.
“The idea behind the Commonwealth Social event is that we wanted to celebrate this major milestone and to give people an indication of what to expect in three years’ time, when the eyes of the world will be focused on Birmingham and the West Midlands region.
“Just like the Games, sport is at the heart of today’s event, but Birmingham 2022 will also be a showcase for everything that’s great about this region; the culture, the food and, most importantly, the people that live here. We’re creating the Games for everyone and we’re already collaborating with local people to help make that vision a reality.”
The Commonwealth Social was held in redeveloped Centenary Square, is just a stone’s throw from Arena Birmingham, the venue for gymnastics during the Games and local gymnast, Team England’s Dominick Cunningham, is delighted to be attending today’s festivities.
Dominick said: “It’s so exciting that it’s now three years to go until the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham, my hometown. Competing for Team England in Australia last year was an amazing experience and to get to do that again in front of a home crowd full of all of my friends and family would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I’m not stopping now, I want that gold for Birmingham!”
Alongside the new brand identity, local people will also feature in a new advertising campaign, launched to raise awareness and excitement for the Games, and a new research project, Common Ground, has been launched.
The adverts put local people at the heart of Birmingham 2022 and will be appearing across the city and online.
The Common Ground project will include visits to communities across the West Midlands, speaking to people about how they think the Games can transform the region and the lives of people that live here.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “With just three years to go, we are at the point when everything about the Commonwealth Games is becoming much more tangible.
“The council-led projects that are enabling the Games, including the development of the Commonwealth Games Village and refurbishment of the Alexander Stadium, are progressing on budget and on schedule, with activity set to significantly increase in the coming months.
“Enthusiasm and interest in Birmingham 2022 is bubbling and will continue to grow as we get even closer to the staging of the biggest event in the city’s history and the long-term benefits the city and its people will gain in the years to come.”
To get the latest information about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, visit the new look website here where you can sign up for news updates and register your interest in volunteering at the Games.