As I reflect on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I can honestly say I've never felt prouder to be from the West Midlands. To everyone who made the past few weeks so special, a huge thank you.
We told a story of welcome, inclusion and rebirth as our values shone through - respect, equality and hope - while facing up honestly to the good (and not so good) in our past. This summer's spectacle must represent a starting point and not a finish line.
I want to see these games go on to deliver a lasting legacy for the people of the West Midlands for generations to come. Whenever a city or region hosts a major sporting event, as crowds subside the conversation turns to legacy.
Beyond 11 days of sport, shiny new facilities and wooing dignitaries, the question we must answer now is what next?
As the dust begins to settle, it's already clear there is immense potential to deliver a truly special legacy for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. There are plenty of practical steps which have already been taken or soon will be.
Thousands of local residents, especially young people, gained valuable transferable skills through the games, for example as volunteers, security personnel or catering staff.
From Sandwell Aquatics Centre to the revamped Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, there is a tangible legacy for the next generation of sporting superstars. Many young spectators will have been inspired by cycling in Wolverhampton, cricket at Edgbaston or rugby in Coventry.
Sporting equipment used at the games is being shared free of charge with local grassroots organisations and a charity called United by 2022 is being established to help ensure we deliver on the promise of a meaningful overall legacy.
Let's take a moment to appreciate how the games have changed not just the outside world's perspective on Birmingham and the West Midlands but also our own self-perception of what we can achieve. The priceless prospect of shifting brand perception and regional confidence was part of the rationale when we bid originally so it's wonderful to see this dream come true.
It was a tremendously exciting time for visitors and residents, our transport infrastructure performed admirably despite record passenger numbers and our region was in the spotlight like never before. With the games and Coventry City of Culture 2021, we've shown what we can do together - red or blue, public or private.
When the Government trusts us, we deliver. The fact we held the games cannot be an argument for us having 'had our fill' - this moment should mark a permanent reset. We're now ready and willing to host more large-scale, world-class events - think Eurovision, European Athletics Championships and Global Esports Championships.
Speaking of hosting, alongside the sport we ran the Business and Tourism Programme from our ‘UK House' base. We worked hard to secure this element to the games as part of our negotiations with the Government.
So I'm delighted that it has been a resounding success, in terms of major events held, media coverage secured and investments won. We have three times more business and inward investment leads in the pipeline now than when we started the year and we saw domestic and international tourists flock to the games.
In November, I shall be leading a mayoral delegation to India to bang the drum for our region as we seek to unlock further opportunities.
To reach our full potential, we need the Government's full support with a renewed commitment to the vital Levelling Up agenda. The challenges we face regionally and nationally - from the cost of living crisis to the broader underlying economic situation - featured prominently in Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak's hustings in Birmingham yesterday.
These challenges underscore the need for Levelling Up now more than ever. That's why, from releasing further funding for brownfield regeneration to devolving trade and investment levers, I've pressed the candidates to deliver for the West Midlands.
I've been reassured on this and will remind the new Prime Minister on day one. A triumph on so many levels, the games were also a celebration of culture and a moment of tremendous unity across our diverse communities.
The spectacular opening and closing ceremonies shared who we are with the world. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who made this happen.
The West Midlands - home to people hailing from all Commonwealth nations and territories - must now build on the games' momentum. We have to chart a course towards an even brighter future.
Andy Street is mayor of the West Midlands
