News Release
Halifax Disappointed With Decision, Extends Congratulations to Hamilton
(OTTAWA, Monday, December 16/2002)--- Although disappointed that Halifax was not successful in its bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Mayor Peter Kelly said today that he was proud of the way that all segments of the community pulled together to try to attract the international event.
In Ottawa today for the official announcement of Canada's nominee to host the 2010 Games, Mayor Kelly extended congratulations to Hamilton Mayor Bob Wade on his community winning the bid against HRM.
The Mayor said "We wish Hamilton well in its bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and we look forward to Canada being named host country when the final selection is made by the International Selection Committee in the Fall of 2003.
Mayor Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council, thanked Chair Fred MacGillivray and members of the HRM 2010 Commonwealth Games Society; The Province of Nova Scotia; Events Halifax; Destination Halifax; Sports Nova Scotia; others sports and community organizations, as well as the private sector, for the tremendous amount of time and effort they devoted to developing and presenting the Halifax submission.
"I am sure that all Nova Scotians, particularly the citizens of HRM, are proud of our extraordinary effort to attract the Games. We did our best, and that is all that really matters. We are a "can-do" community and there will be other opportunities to attract national and international events, " he said.
Mayor Kelly said the Halifax bid to host the 2010 Games was not only a local effort, but a provincial and regional effort, as well.
"We had tremendous support from the Province of Nova Scotia, as well as the other Atlantic Provinces. It's unfortunate we didn't win the bid, because the 2010 Games would have provided much needed world-class training facilities in Eastern Canada. The legacy from the Games would have completed the dream of "coast-to-coast" training facilities in every region of Canada, " the Mayor added.
In closing, Mayor Kelly said Regional Council and the community owed the many individuals who volunteered their time for so many months a great debt of gratitude for their efforts. "We know they had pinned their hopes on Halifax being selected to host the 2010 Games, and we certainly share in their disappointment."
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
