Sandwell people continue to be inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, a year on from Sandwell Aquatics Centre being a proud host venue for swimming, para swimming and diving competitions.
In July Sandwell Council approved a Commonwealth Games Legacy Plan to make sure the benefits of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last for decades to come – helping to boost health, inspire local people and support growth.
Building on the success of Birmingham 2022, and with the world-class Sandwell Aquatics Centre being the only newly-built venue of the Games, the council is determined to capitalise on the momentum that hosting the Games has started.
The key aims of the Legacy Plan are to:
• Improve Health, Wellbeing and Physical Activity
• Inspire Community Engagement and Collaboration
• Support Growth in Economy, Place and Reputation
Teams from across the council will jointly deliver the Legacy Plan, working closely with key partner organisations including Sandwell Leisure Trust, Swim England, Swim England West Midlands, Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Sandwell Aquatics Club and the University of Wolverhampton.
The plan has been in development since 2019, alongside the construction of Sandwell Aquatics Centre and the hosting of the Games last summer, as the council did not want the benefits to stop when the Games ended.
Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “As a proud host venue for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Sandwell Council is committed to ensuring that the Games leave a lasting legacy for our community. This Legacy Plan outlines the steps we will take to maximise the benefits of the Games for our residents and ensure that the positive impacts are felt for years to come.
“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games provided an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Sandwell to the world and be a catalyst for economic development, and to inspire our residents to get involved in sport and physical activity. We will work closely with local stakeholders, community groups, and schools to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the Games.”