Denise Lewis OBE joins West Midlands delegation to celebrate Commonwealth Games win

Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Denise Lewis OBE and leading figures from across the Midlands came together this week at MIPIM to celebrate Birmingham’s recent Commonwealth Games win – with the track and field star hailing the Games as an opportunity to create a legacy for the future.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward and former Wasps player Chris Bell joined West Bromwich-born Denise Lewis OBE for a panel discussion on the importance of the Games for driving economic success and regeneration in the region as part of the event.

Birmingham was officially named as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in December 2017 – the biggest sporting event to be awarded in England since the London Olympics in 2012.

Lewis said: “Getting the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic result for Birmingham and for the Midlands as a whole. All of the eyes of the Commonwealth will be watching Birmingham as a host – not only during the Games, but in the lead up and beyond.

“It’s not just about having a fantastic Games – it’s also about the culture and experience. It’s about coming together and showing the world what Birmingham has to offer, and creating a legacy for the future.

“The Games will inspire young people to choose a life in sport – and the region is prepared to produce the next generation of champions. We have the facilities, and we now have the perfect opportunity with the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Between 500,000 and one million people are expected to descend on Birmingham over the 11-day sporting event in the summer of 2022 – and the Games are anticipated to generate a boost of more than half a billion pounds to the West Midlands region.