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Is this further indication that Liverpool could land the 2022 Commonwealth Games?

With Liverpool bidding to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the city has been given a timely boost after being named as the UK’s number one sports city by ESPN.

Working with the University of Bath on a sporting research project launched in 2015, the global sports media outlet bestowed the accolade on Liverpool with its North West neighbour Manchester coming runner up.

The news comes as Liverpool enters the final phase of competition to be nominated as the UK’s Candidate City to host the 22 Games.

If successful, Liverpool 2022 will then bid with international cities before a final decision is taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) towards the end of the year.

Everton’s new stadium, at Bramley Moore Dock, will be the centre piece of the Games hosting athletics, while a new £50m swimming pool would be built in Liverpool docks. In turn, estimates suggest the city could generate up to £1bn should it host the international event.

Archery will take place at the Aintree Racecourse while other elite sites such as the Echo Arena and Convention Centre [ACC], Anfield, and the Manchester Velodrome and Old Trafford Cricket Ground also playing key roles.

Brian Barwick, Liverpool 2022 bid chair, said: “To be recognised as the UK’s number one sports city is fantastic news, not only for our bid but for our city.

“If we win the honour of staging the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the CGF and Government will know that it is bringing it to a city that is dynamic, sports mad and fun to be in.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson added: “Liverpool has a proud sporting history, and to be recognised internationally for this is a great honour. Our vision is to make the entire UK proud of Liverpool, and it is special to know that fans up and down the country already respect our sporting prestige.

“Sport is a tool to change the lives of many, and we believe that Liverpool 2022 will do exactly this. The Games will help to fast-track up to a billion pounds of investment for the city, and we are working around the clock to persuade the Government that this bid is perfect to showcase Britain to the world.”

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