Plaid Cymru promises bid to bring Commonwealth Games to Wales

Plaid Cymru has said it will bid to bring the Commonwealth Games to Wales, should it lead the next Welsh Government.

Announcing the plans, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru candidate for Ynys Môn, said his party would bid for the rights to host the event in either 2030 or 2034.

He used Glasgow’s “overwhelmingly positive” hosting of the games in 2014 as a possible blueprint for Wales to follow, saying it contributed up to £740m to Scotland’s economy.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “Following Wales to France for Euro 2016 was a special experience that will stay with me forever.

“I want us to be able host similar international events here at home so that Wales too can become a stage for world-renowned sporting contests.

“That’s why a Plaid Cymru government would bid for Wales to host the Commonwealth Games in either 2030 or 2034, boosting our global profile and bringing a range of economic benefits.”

He added: “Hosting the Games would require investment in sports venues and transport infrastructure, creating employment opportunities and leaving a legacy of world-class facilities for Welsh communities to use and enjoy for many years to come.

“I hope that hosting the Games would inspire a new generation of Welsh athletes to follow those already making our nation proud on the world sporting stage.”

Wales has never hosted a Commonwealth Games, but did host the Rugby World Cup in 1999 – although games were played in England, Scotland, Ireland and France as part of that tournament.

The next Commonwealth Games are set to take place in Birmingham in July and August next year.