Victoria Cancels Commonwealth Games 2026

What is Dictator Dan up to now? The Premier of Victoria, Dan Andrews has announced the State of Australia cannot afford to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Melbourne last held the event in 2006, so what gives?

The first thing that comes to mind is that forecasts suggest few tourists will visit. That's because Victoria now has the reputation as the lockdown state. The second thing that comes to mind is that he's been told more lockdowns are coming in 2026. Yea...be very afraid.

Meanwhile, Christchurch mayor, Phil Mauger says Christchurch can do it, and looking at it, it appears he's right, here's how things line up: 

• New Stadium in central city being built (Athletics) 
• Aquatic centre near Hagley Park nearing completion (Swimming and Diving) 
• Convention Centre completed and running (Boxing, Gymnastics, Judo, Squash, Table tennis - if this is too many to cram in, there are other facilities too, such as the Air Force museum, University recreation centre and Lincoln events centre. Each of these on their own can host one of these events) 
• Town Hall refurbished (Weightlifting) 

Add the following: 

• Horncastle arena (Netball) 
• AMI Stadium (Sevens) 
• Cowles Stadium, which also has a purpose built badminton building (Badminton, 3x3 basketball) 
• Pioneer (Wrestling) 
• Upgrade existing Hockey 
• Lawn Bowls upgrade
• All other events are outdoors; such as Mountain Biking on the Port Hills and Cricket at Hagley Oval, a recognised Test venue. Beach Volleyball in The Square. 

Perhaps add shooting. 

The only thing that would need to be put in is a top level Cycling track.

When the games were held in Christchurch in the 1970's, the University of Canterbury Halls of Residence at Ilam were used as the athletes village. They could look at this again. 

Lyttelton and Akaroa harbours can hold limitless numbers of cruise ships. The airport has been expanded and is under-utilised. Talk is of Invercargill being added, fine, but they're not strictly necessary. The facilities are all available within Canterbury. But the taxpayers across NZ would have to stump up.

What do you think?

Athletics: 400m Birmingham 2022 - Muzala Samukonga

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Men's 400 Metres Final.

Muzala Samukonga of Zambia ran down the opposition to win. Later, all the media could think to talk about was how the runner for England was beaten after leading from start to finish. Correct that; the runner from England led for most of the race but did not lead at the end. 

The Queen's Christmas Message 2018

I  thought the rather gently implied message from The Queen's Christmas Message this year was that we are stronger together. I believe evidence of this is found in her mention of the Battle of Jutland, the size of the Commonwealth, and her call for respect and understanding. Yes, the latter is clearly a Brexit reference but I think the imagery of the message is broader. She's calling for Empire 2.0 and about time too.

Malawi Queens Win

Yay, the Malawi Netball team, the Malawi Queens, have beaten New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games 2018 (57-53). They never gave up even though it looked they were going to lose. This is Malawi's first Netball win over New Zealand.