I am utterly CHUFFED and simply BUZZING, to today have heard the confirmation of both the awarding's of the XXVII or 27th European Athletics Championships to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham for the Summer of 2026 AND the V or 5th Kabaddi World Cup, in my home City of Wolverhampton in 2025!

Both events have NEVER been held in the United Kingdom since first editions in 1934 and 2004 respectively and will just like the extraordinary success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games play a huge role in economic and cultural growth and bring visitors from right around the world, to the beating Heart of the UK.

To have these events confirmed just over 3 months since the Closing Ceremony on August 8th, really signifies the coming together of all, in making our region the Events Capital of the nation and still being on the job hunt post my lifechanging adventure at B2022, I very much offer my services to play whatever role in helping to make them just as wonderful as they will be.

I give huge congratulations to Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority and all partners in striking another two immense GOLDS and here is to a pair of Internationally renowned competitions, shaping part of a truly GOLDEN ERA for my home patch!