Wales and England set to join forces for 2040 Olympics bid

WALES is to join a joint bid for the Olympics to be held in England and Wales.

- By RUTH MOSALSKI

August 2012: The closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. London is also keen to host a fourth Games

Ken Skates, transport and north Wales secretary, said the Welsh Government will join a bid already being discussed by regional mayors in England to host the sporting event in 2040.

Earlier this month it emerged northern leaders have written to Westminster culture secretary Lisa Nandy, urging the government to back a multi-city games which would be "anchored in the north of England as the primary host location."

That sentiment has been echoed by Mr Skates, who says Wales will join that bid and will also contact the UK culture secretary.

The minister said he would be keen for venues in north Wales such as Holyhead to be used for sailing, as well using Wrexham’s SToK Cae Ras, and to extend particpating venues to the whole of Wales.

"When I talk about the North, I actually believe that it’s everything that's kind of to the north and to the west of the M25," he said.

That would allow the Principality Stadium to be used, said Mr Skates.