President honours Games organisers
The huge international success of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games came under the spotlight at the city 's biggest business dinner - with a special President 's Award, writes Jon Griffin.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Deb Leary set the seal on the Games by presenting the prestige accolade - for outstanding contribution to Greater Birmingham - to Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee.
Prof Thompson was called to the stage at the ICC to accept the award on behalf of “all the partners, volunteers and businesses involved in making the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games a success. ”
Deb told guests at the ICC: “Let us not forget that the brightest light of all last year was that of the Commonwealth Games. The success of the Games wasn 't just about sport. The Games shone a light on the people of Greater Birmingham, their passion, enthusiasm, their kindness and their humour. Even the sun shone for us! ”
She said the Games had been 'the largest multi-sport event to be held in England in 10 years, featuring thousands of world-class athletes. '
“With Birmingham being home to more than 180 nationalities, Birmingham 2022 became a home Games for every nation. With the iconic Raging Bull on opening night through to the legendary Ozzy Osborne closing the event, the Games captured the imagination of the city, the region, the UK and the world.
“From the mountain biking in Cannock Chase to the NEC in Solihull and Triathlon in Sutton Park, the Games showcased the best of us, the best of this city, the best of this region. How can anyone not be impressed by the spectacular volunteers who guided us throughout the Games? Their smiles, their passion and energy for the Games and their home was a joy to behold.
“But for any of this to happen it takes more than an idea, it takes people with not only the vision of what it should be but the tenacity, energy and commitment to inclusivity. It takes a legion of people who are not only focused on the moment, but on the legacy.
“Including local businesses. 46 per cent of suppliers directly contracted by the Commonwealth Games were based in the West Midlands and many, many more companies became part of the supply chain.
“And I am sure that the international delegations we have received and continue to receive at the Chamber are as a direct result of the success of the Games. We have received delegations and Ambassadors from Mexico, Ukraine, USA and Serbia.
“And I am delighted to say a huge welcome to the Ambassador for Mexico in the UK, my good friend Ambassador Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco, who wowed Birmingham when she spoke at the Chamber Global Trade Conference and together we plan to deepen the relationship between Mexico and Greater Birmingham. ”
Deb added: “We have so much to celebrate. We are all incredibly proud of the companies nominated tonight. They represent the best of the best within the region. All we need to do now is shout about it and continue to be bold. ”
Pictured: Professor Geoff Thompson and Deb Leary