Birmingham urged to weigh hosting World Para Athletics bid

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 05:45 · Archive

Birmingham Council will decide whether to bid to host the World Para Athletics Championships in 2029.

Birmingham Council cabinet members will be asked next week to consider proposals for the city to submit a bid to host the World Para Athletics Championships in 2029.

The council said the event represents an opportunity to build on the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as other upcoming events such as Invictus Games 2027 and EURO 2028. It said hosting the Championships would "further establish Birmingham as the centre of athletics and para sport in the United Kingdom and secure the next mega sporting event in the city's hosting pipeline."

Government commissioners sent in to oversee the council's financial recovery have urged cabinet members to carefully consider whether not submitting a bid would be better. They acknowledged the potential economic, social and reputational benefits of hosting the Championships.

However, they noted that amid the council's "significant" financial challenges and "competing demands on scarce resources", not submitting a bid would enable up to £6.05m to be invested in other services and priorities instead.

The commissioners added that should cabinet decide to proceed with a bid, the decision should be conditional upon securing a minimum 50 per cent contribution from external partners.

How it is being reported

• Birmingham Council urged to 'carefully consider' choice over potential bid for 'mega' sporting eventCommissioners at Birmingham Council questioned whether money towards hosting the event could be spent on 'other services and priorities' insteadBirminghamLive · 4 Nov, 05:30
• Birmingham council urged to 'carefully consider' potential bid for 'mega' sporting eventThe proposals will be considered by cabinet on Tuesday, November 10.Express & Star · 3 Nov, 13:24
• Birmingham council urged to 'carefully consider' potential bid for 'mega' sporting eventThe proposals will be considered by cabinet on Tuesday, November 10.Birmingham World · 3 Nov, 13:24

In this story: Birmingham Council · World Para Athletics Championships · Birmingham · United Kingdom · Commonwealth Games

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