THE COMMONWEALTH flag was raised with extra pride in the district this year.
As the flag was raised for Commonwealth Day on Monday (March 13) there was a chance to share memories and reflect on the unique opportunities that last summer’s Commonwealth Games brought to the area.
At a short ceremony at Leamington Town Hall, representatives from Warwick District Council, the Mayors of Leamington, Whitnash and Warwick and the Chairman of the Royal British Legion were joined by local bronze medallist Lauren Cox, to raise the Commonwealth flag, as part of an annual celebration observed by 54 countries across the world.
The event coincided with the publication of a report by WDC containing an analysis of the ‘outcomes and legacy’ of hosting the Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls competitions and Cycling Road Races, as well as the associated festival sites, CultureFest, Queen’s Baton Relay, street dressing and a wide variety of public realm and infrastructure improvements including those made at Leamington Station.
The report includes the results of two separate independent surveys to measure the economic impact of hosting the Games and to gauge local opinion on expectations and awareness. Findings confirmed the district had benefitted from being part of a major international sporting event that provided good publicity for the area and that the influx of visitors boosted the local economy.
WDC Chair Coun Mini Kaur Mangat, said: “We can raise the Commonwealth Flag with much pride this year, knowing that following the success of last year’s Games, when our small district became a focal point for tv audiences, visitors, competitors and spectators from across the world our connection with the countries of the Commonwealth is stronger than ever.”
WDC Leader Coun Andrew Day, continued: “With minimal preparation time, a worldwide pandemic and only a small team of staff, I am immensely proud of the achievements of the council, local volunteers and all our partners and stakeholders in pulling off a magic moment in our history. Being a host venue for the Games not only brought us economic and community benefits, but also global recognition for our corner of the Commonwealth as a warm and welcoming location for future international events.”
Sarah Windrum, Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “Warwick district was buzzing last summer as we welcomed athletes and visitors from across the world to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the legacy will be felt for many years to come.
“The infrastructure and public realm improvements which were funded by CWLEP will have a lasting effect for visitors and residents alike as well as the boost to the economy for local businesses last year.”
For further information on the independent surveys and a link to the full Outcomes and Legacy report visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/cg2022
