7. 5. Statement: Major International Sporting Events

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:47 pm on 13 September 2016.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 5:47, 13 September 2016

The Member raises a really important point, actually, in the context of the Commonwealth Games, as well, because, in many instances, when we attract major events to Wales, we don’t own those events. Therefore, the event’s owners will stipulate who takes part in terms of arranging the logistical solutions to the problems that the events can often present. So, it’s essential that we also grow and attract not just events that are equally spread around Wales, but that are also of varying size as well, so that our indigenous events organisers are able to take advantage of them at every level, and, as I said in my answer to the previous questions, are able to get on that escalator of growth, as well, and take advantage, year on year, of bigger major events.

In terms of north Wales, I think, actually, this again highlights why we took the right decision on the Commonwealth Games. We’d have loved to have been able to host Commonwealth Games that would benefit the whole of Wales, but had we proceeded with a Commonwealth Games that is geographically confined to the south-east, then, of course, that would’ve had an impact on north Wales. I know that the Member is very keen to promote the potential bid of Island Games and also the Sandman Triathlon as well, which takes place in my colleague’s constituency. It’s absolutely imperative that we share the wealth; that we make sure that major events benefit people right across Wales. But in utilising our precious resources for just one event in one area, we simply will not see that.