The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games revealed its official countdown clock in the city’s Centenary Square, in partnership with official clock sponsor, Longines and in the presence of representatives from Birmingham 2022, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the official clock sponsor themselves.
With the launch commencing at 09:00 with the official reveal of the clock, not only did it mark the official countdown to Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it also marked Longines new agreement which sees them have exclusive status as the inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, in a deal that covers the next three Commonwealth Games, starting with Birmingham and including 2026 and 2030.
David Grevemberg, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), said: "This striking, elegant structure is taking pride of place in the iconic Centenary Square, which marks the countdown to Birmingham 2022 really beginning in earnest."
“I am absolutely delighted to announcing this on Commonwealth Day, a day of celebration across the Commonwealth, where we are unveiling the Longines countdown clock to the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony.
"I am absolutely delighted and privileged to have Longines join with us as the Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement."
Grevemberg continued: “This is a truly historic agreement and having this multi-Commonwealth Games partnership in place showcases real confidence in the future direction of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The partnership has been made possible because of the new Games delivery model, coordinated by CGF Partnerships, which looks at multi-Games opportunities and efficiencies as well as has full cohesion with the multi-communities in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.”
Longines Vice President Marketing, Matthieu Baumgartner said: “We are very excited to announce our participation in the XXIInd Commonwealth Games, considered as one of the world’s most important sporting events.”
“Our brand is delighted to reveal a historic multi-Commonwealth Games partnership with CGF, covering the 2022, 2026 and 2030 editions.”
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Commonwealth Games, which extends all the way back to the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games and more recently the 2014 Glasgow and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”
He went on to say: “Timing is crucial when it comes to winning a gold, silver or bronze medal.
“And, as such, Longines is looking forward to providing its timekeeping expertise in various disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens and Table Tennis, the sports we are partnering with during the Commonwealth Games.”
“For the next three Commonwealth Games, starting with Birmingham 2022, Longines is perpetuating this history, together with athletes and sports fans from all over the world.”
Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “The Countdown Clock is an exciting contemporary addition to our diverse range of public art in the city.
“Set in front of our world-renowned Library of Birmingham, in Centenary Square it creates a fantastic Games-related city centre destination as the excitement builds for everything we do as a council and with our partners as we lead to Birmingham 2022.”
