Birmingham community groups awarded funding in run up to Commonwealth Games
Funding worth £1m has been awarded to 247 projects in Birmingham through the second round of a council-run scheme to help people celebrate the oncoming Commonwealth Games.
The Celebrating Communities Small Grants Funding Scheme has now supported a total of 320 across all 69 city wards, with more than £1.4m given in support.
The games are set to begin on July 28, with a variety of sports competitions taking place, including athletics, cycling and gymnastics.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: ‘The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are about much more than the sporting action – Celebrating Communities funding is all about making the event relevant to people, wherever they are in Birmingham.
‘The Games have the power to bring people in this city together and as the Proud Host City we’re determined that the benefits reach every district and neighbourhood.
‘Projects are already doing some bold and inspirational work through the first round of funding and this second series of awards ensures residents in all of our wards have access to something local to them that helps them celebrate and feel a part of the Games.
‘This is a key part of a summer of activity that will showcase the best of Birmingham at the start of what will be a golden decade for the city.’
Funding has gone to numerous programmes, including community gardens, local festivals, sports events and cultural groups.
Money has also gone to a Windrush Generation legacy project in Birchfield, a street clean up project in Gravelly Hill and Second City a publication highlighting the city’s colonial past.
The Commonwealth Games often provides a huge economic boost worth £1bn, as well as a vast range of social and environmental benefits, according to a report by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
In related news, a major design and engineering firm, Arcadis, is joining Birmingham City Council in developing regeneration plans for the city.
Photo by Matt Lee