Commonwealth Games: Eyes of the world will be on Birmingham says Ama Agbeze

Ama Agbeze athlete during game
Agbeze believes that after recent years of political division and the trauma of the pandemic, Birmingham has the chance of rekindling some of that spirit a decade on Credit: PA images

Selly Oak's England Netball International Ama Agbeze believes capacity crowds will bring more focus on Commonwealth Games in Birmingham for 2022.

The esteemed sports star believes the eyes of the world will be on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next summer as it prepares to welcome capacity crowds to a multi-sport event.

Spectators in the Tokyo region will be barred from watching the action live at this summer's Olympic Games, meaning Birmingham 2022 promises to be the first such event held in 'normal' circumstances since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Agbeze accepts the Games has to acknowledge its links to colonialism and the British Empire, and the history which surrounds it. Credit: PA images

The first ticket ballot opened to local residents on Wednesday, and Agbeze, who was part of England's 2018 netball gold medal-winning team on the Gold Coast, believes it is an opportunity not to be missed.

"All eyes will be on the Games because it will most likely be the first for capacity crowds across the world at a sporting event. I think for Birmingham and the West Midlands region that is incredible", says Agbeze.

The London 2012 Olympics are often held up as the best of Britain, in presenting a tolerant and welcoming face to the world Credit: PA images

The London 2012 Olympics are often held up as the best of Britain, in presenting a tolerant and welcoming face to the world.

Agbeze believes that after recent years of political division and the trauma of the pandemic, Birmingham has the chance of rekindling some of that spirit a decade on.

"People have been very dispersed and not able to congregate together and it's basically I think sport is definitely a force that unites people completely," she said.

She does accept though that the Games has to acknowledge and recognise its links to colonialism and the British Empire, and the history which surrounds it.

"Colonialism existed, and we can't get away from that," she added.

"The biggest thing is actually educating people to know what happened, not deny the past and be honest and open about what happened (and) how we got to this position, and actually try to move forward together."

"The Commonwealth developed from hostility. Alongside the Commonwealth Games Federation it will be a case of how we try and move things forward and acknowledge and accept what has happened in the past."

The local ballot for Birmingham 2022 will stay open until July 30, before a main ballot in September.