By Duncan Mackay

Edmonton has been declared Tracktown Canada by the city's Mayor Don Iveson ©Edmonton ClassicEdmonton's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games has received a boost after it was named Tracktown Canada following the news it has been chosen to host the 2015 and 2016 Canadian Track and Field Championships.


The 2016 edition will also include the official trials to select Canada's team for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson presented an official proclamation making the city Tracktown Canada

"Edmonton has a rich and successful history in hosting athletic events both nationally and internationally," said Iveson.

"The declaration of Edmonton as TrackTown Canada clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuing to advance athletics in our city and country and instilling our city as a centre of excellence in athletics."

Edmonton has previously held the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the 1983 Summer Universiade, the 2001 International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships and the 2005 World Masters Games.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson has declared the city Tracktown Canada in recognition of the events it has held and plans too in the future ©Edmonton ClassicEdmonton Mayor Don Iveson has declared the city Tracktown Canada in recognition of the events it has held and plans too in the future ©Edmonton Classic

During the next few years it is also due to the 2015 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships, as well as the annual Edmonton International TrackClassic. 

"The Government of Alberta is proud to support the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Edmonton," said Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk. 

"Not only will we have the chance to cheer these athletes on, it's a great opportunity to showcase the incredible spirit of culture and sport that make our capital city and province such wonderful places to live and visit."

Jerry Bouma, chairman of the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships, that rechristening the city TrackTown Canada would help bring focus on its commitment to the sport.

"For Edmonton and its long history with athletics [and major events], this is about building on our storied past and continuing to inspire an exciting future," he said.

Among the top events Edmonton has staged was the 2001 IAAF World Championships ©Getty ImagesAmong the top events Edmonton has staged was the 2001 IAAF World Championships
©Getty Images

Edmonton announced plans in March to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and it will face competition from Durban.

The Commonwealth Games Federation is due to select the host city at its Annual Meeting in Auckland on September 2, 2015.

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