Mr Barwick will chair of the drive to bring the games to the games in 2026 – or 2022 should the UK host the Commonwealth Games following Durban’s recent withdrawal. Tony McDonough reports
A former head of sport at the BBC and ITV is to spearhead Liverpool’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games.
Liverpool-born Brian Barwick was unveiled as the chair of the drive to bring the games to the games in 2026 – or 2022 should the UK host the Commonwealth Games following Durban’s recent withdrawal.
Mr Barwick was also formerly chief executive of the Football Association.
He is currently chair of the Rugby Football League, Super League Europe, the National League and a member of the FA Council.
He will head ‘Team Liverpool’ – a group of “world-leading experts” with a track record in successfully bidding for major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Mr Barwick said: “Having worked in and around sport most of my adult life, the chance to lead the work for my home city of Liverpool to host the Commonwealth Games is a huge privilege.
“I am clear that Liverpool, with such an illustrious sports history, will make the perfect host city for the Commonwealth Games.
“I have already spent some time with the team and am very impressed with their enthusiasm and expertise.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson added: “He (Mr Barwick) brings a wealth of experience both as a leader of some of the biggest sports organisations in the country and a successful career at the highest level in TV sport.
“Brian’s appointment, alongside a number of other highly respected advisors, sends out a powerful message that we are deadly serious about bidding for the games.
“We already have a first class reputation in putting on major events during and since our time as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
“I firmly believe we have the passion, belief and the ability to win and deliver a Commonwealth Games that can make the whole country and the Commonwealth proud.
Working with Mr Barwick and the Mayor will be one of the most prominent and respected women in sport Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale, a director at Everton FC and an executive chair of Everton in the Community.
She will be taking on the role of deputy chair of Liverpool’s bid.