Speech on Major Sporting Events – Senedd May 2015

Thank you Deputy Presiding Officer
Regarding the Commonwealth games
How much will it cost?
Who is going to pay?
Whilst each games costs a different amount and sometimes the costs can be opaque
We know that Manchester cost approximately £300million according to the Independent
Glasgow cost £400 million according to the Daily Telegraph
If Wales bids it is almost certain to be successful
The days of multiple bidders for the commonwealth games are over
How will it be paid for?
Do the Conservatives propose taking this cost off Education or Health budgets
Of course there is a simple way of paying for it
Give Wales the Barnett consequential of the Olympics
That would give Wales approximately 5.4% of the estimated £9 billion for the London Olympics
Gives us almost £500 Million to pay for the commonwealth games
Will the Leader of the opposition confirm he has got the Westminster Government to agree this retrospective funding
Turning to where in Wales to host them
As the Commonwealth games like the Olympics are given to a city not a country
Why not Swansea
Wales Premier sporting city
Wales Top Football and Rugby teams
Both by a very long way
Happy to have an interruption with a counter argument
If not look at the League tables
8th in the Premier Division Swansea City
Top of the Pro 12 Rugby league the Ospreys
The largest crowds for Rugby and Football matches in Wales

If this is bid for and the bid is successful and it goes to Cardiff
This must not be a backdoor method of providing new sporting facilities there
The cycling must be held at the Newport Velodrome
The Swimming at the national pool in Swansea
I assume the shooting events will be held in the National Shooting Centre in Bisley, Surrey
Turning to other major sporting events
One took place on Monday
At the Emirates stadium
Arsenal Versus Swansea
Another great win by the Swans to complete the double over Arsenal
The Premier division is a major sporting event
Held every other week in Swansea and seen around the world
It showcases Wales every week
Not enough is being made of Wales premier division city
Football is the world sport
We need to get as many major games to the Millennium stadium as possible
But always remember Swansea on the football field is putting Wales on the world sporting map every week