It’s been a brilliant couple of weeks for the West Midlands - having hosted the Commonwealth Games.
It was an honour to attend the Opening Ceremony where a whole range of performers showcased their talents and highlighted everything that makes the West Midlands what it is.
Over the course of the games we’ve seen so much sporting talent that I hope will inspire a whole new generation of athletes and leave a lasting legacy for the West Midlands. To all of the athletes, officials and volunteers - thank you for making the 2022 Commonwealth Games so memorable.
It’s fantastic that Cannock Chase has been part of that lasting legacy, having played host to the mountain biking. We were the only part of Staffordshire to host some of the Games with The Chase seeing competitors and spectators from across the Commonwealth descend on the Chase to watch the action.
The Games may well be over but they have left a physical and lasting impression on Cannock Chase. The ‘Perry’s Trail’, an off-road trail used as the backbone of the course for the mountain bike competition, remains for everyone to enjoy. This is in addition to the ‘Pedal and Play’ trail which was designed in partnership with British Cycling and aims to inspire the next generation of cross-country mountain bikers.
The ‘Pedal and Play’ facilities also have British Cycling coaching schemes in place which will continue to work at Cannock Chase Forest until 2023, to encourage as many people as possible from a range of backgrounds and skill levels to take up, and to continue to develop participation in cycling.
We should all focus on the long-term benefits that the Games have brought to our local economy as well as the opportunity to inspire a new generation to take up sports.
As ever, please do not hesitate to raise any issues with me by telephone on 01543 877142, via e-mail at [email protected] or in writing to 11a Market Street, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 1AY.
