Category Archives: Commonwealth Games

AFTNews, Commonwealth Games, Features Australia/NZ

Trinbago 2023 begins with spectacular opening ceremony

The 7th Commonwealth Youth Games and the first in the Caribbean kicked off in a carnival style at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad.

In a ceremony bursting with colour and energy, more than 1,000 athletes from around 70 Commonwealth Nations and Territories were welcomed to the first Youth Games since 2017.

Famous for their appearance at Carnival time, the Kiddies Carnival Kings and Queens performed alongside a youth steel pan side, while spectators enjoyed tassa and tamboo bamboo stands within the stadium.

Following the traditional parade of nations, there was a demonstration of the sports being played during the Games. Each sport was represented by an incredible Moko Jumbie, designed to not only glisten in the sunlight, but also show movement similar to the sport.

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games told athletes in her opening address: “I truly hope you seize the moment and enjoy this Caribbean carnival of inspiring competition, personal development and global friendship.”

“You are diverse, unique and equal members of one big sporting family and especially in this Commonwealth Year of Youth – we will celebrate each and every one of you.”

Closing the festivities Trinidad and Tobago-born group, Freetown Collective performed the theme song ‘Stay Ready’ created especially for the Youth Games.

Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA), and the local Organising Committee, said: “What you saw today is a combined volunteer effort led by us here in Trinidad and Tobago and aided by persons from around the world.”

“I think as a nation, we can stand up and say proudly we are Trinbago 2023. Now, the work really begins as the real stars of the show take to the field over the next few days.”

From 4-11 August athletes will participate in Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial, and Track) and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball.

Netball’s shorter, faster format, FAST5, makes its debut at the Youth Games with eight women’s teams competing for a medal.

A fully integrated Para-Athletics programme will also make its first appearance at the Games with athletes competing in six medal events (three women’s and three men’s events).

The Youth Games are an established pathway towards the Commonwealth Games, and other major senior sporting events, providing an opportunity to showcase the stars of the future.

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AFTNews, Commonwealth Games, Features Australia/NZ

Lauren Bates of Australia wins first medal of Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games

Via PRNews

The highly anticipated Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off with Lauren Bates of Australia winning the first gold medal of the Games in the Women’s Cycling – Time Trial. Hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the energy-sapping race saw Bates scorch around the 10km course in 14:09.31, with compatriot, Keira Will, taking silver and Ruby Oakes of Isle of Man the bronze medal. “It’s amazing. It’s insane. I’m so stoked to come away with a medal and seeing all the other nations here as well, it’s so cool. Learning all the cultures, it’s such a good experience,” said Bates.

Miles Bailey Liebenberg, from South Africa just pipped Scotland’s Elliot Rowe to the men’s title, winning by 3.39s in a time of 19:17.62 over the 15km course.

“I made sure to pace myself. It was really hot, so I kept myself and my core temperature cool and from then I didn’t know what to expect, just pace myself and I’m happy to take the win,” said Liebenberg.

Australia claimed another medal on a successful day for their team, with Will Heath picking up the bronze medal.

Young athletes from 68 Commonwealth Nations and Territories have gathered across the twin islands to showcase their talent and sportsmanship. A stepping stone for future sporting champions, the Youth Games provides a platform for talented youth athletes aged 14 to 18 to test their skills and abilities on an international stage.

This year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable, in the Games’ history, with seven sports being contested – Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling (Road and Track), Triathlon, FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, and Beach Volleyball.

Over in Tobago, the beautiful beach of Black Rock hosted the start of the Beach Volleyball competition where defending women’s champions Australia and men’s champions England kicked off their title defences.

Rwanda, who won their first-ever medal at a Games and Youth Games, when they secured bronze in the Women’s Beach Volleyball in 2017, were also in action on Day One.

CGF CEO, Katie Sadleir, commented: “After last night’s dazzling Opening Ceremony, it was fantastic to see the Sport Programme get underway today, with the Cycling Individual Time Trial and the beginning of the Beach Volleyball competition at the stunning Black Rock. We are immensely proud of all who took part today and especially Lauren Bates and Miles Bailey Liebenberg for winning the first gold medals of Trinbago 2023.” As the opening day concludes, the focus now shifts to Day Two, where the excitement continues with the start of the Swimming, Triathlon and Rugby Sevens, as well as the continuation of the Beach Volleyball.

For more information and updates visit: Trinbago2023.com and follow their social posts #trinbago2023

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AFTNews, Commonwealth Games, Features Australia/NZ

Women’s sport celebrated at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

International Working Group on Women and Sport calls for more to be done to drive global gender equality

August 4, 2022 via PRNews/GIG – Key figures from sport, media and politics have gathered to celebrate the success of women’s sport at the Commonwealth Games at a special event at New Zealand House. The event, staged in partnership with the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport, was also an opportunity for global leaders to discuss what more can be done to achieve gender equality in sport and the benefits of doing so.

Birmingham 2022 is the first major multi-sport event in history to award more medals to women than men, while the debut of women’s T20 cricket has proved one of the success stories of the competition so far. 

The event at New Zealand House, which is part of the official handover of the IWG from Aotearoa New Zealand to the United Kingdom, saw CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE, IWG Co-Chairs Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY and Raewyn Lovett ONZM, Minister for Sport Nigel Huddleston and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Grant Robertson come together to celebrate the growing success of women’s sport. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the work still to be done to bring about true equality given:

  • Only 7% of Chairs and Presidents in Olympic and Paralympic sport are women ;
  • According to Forbes, only one of the top 50 highest paid athletes in 2020 was a woman;
  • In 2018 the Lancet Global Health found that more than a quarter of adults globally are insufficiently physically active and across most countries, women are less active than men which means that millions of women globally are missing out on physical health, mental health and social rewards of taking part in sport and activity.

Established almost 30 years ago in Brighton, the IWG is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equality in sport and physical activity. The network is committed to leading positive change which aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

The IWG is currently hosted by New Zealand; with the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport taking place in Auckland on 14-17 November 2022.

The UK will then receive the hosting baton for the quadrennial period of 2022-2026, with the 9th IWG World Conference taking place in Birmingham in four years’ time.
The event at New Zealand House helped to profile the upcoming conference in New Zealand, as a Graphic Illustrator captured discussions for a piece of artwork that aims to showcase the rise of women and sport, while outlining hopes for the future of gender equality.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “A key focus of our Games is women’s sport. 

“In that respect, Birmingham 2022 is quite special as the first major multi-sport event in history to have more medals for women than men. We can be so proud of the progress we have made and we have come a long way towards gender equality in sport, but there is still much more to be done.

“So, while today is a celebration of women’s sport, it is also a chance for us to look ahead and to continue to collaborate to bring about further progress.

“To that end, we are proud to help promote the work of the International Working Group on Women & Sport as they continue to advance gender equity and equality in sport across the world.” 

IWG Co-Chair Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY said: “In the week when England won the women’s Euros, helping to catapult women’s sport into the spotlight like never before, it’s the perfect time to be pushing to achieve gender equality across the globe. 

“The IWG network is a platform to both advocate for change and share insights and learnings to help advance gender equality, harnessing the knowledge and momentum from within the IWG movement.”

New Zealand Co-Chair of the IWG, Raewyn Lovett said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been kaitiaki – to have been the guardian – of the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equity and equality in sport, physical education and physical activity. 

“Today, we opened the circle, with IWG UK taking over Secretariat leadership globally. IWG New Zealand will continue to lead delivery of the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport through to its staging in Auckland this November: where we will close the circle and complete the handover.

“The people and organisations in the room today have extraordinary power and influence and the ability to positively impact the lives of women and girls the world over. We issued them with an invitation to bring this expertise to the table in Auckland, to help us drive change through sport.”

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “It’s been a seismic week for women’s sport with the Lionesses’ stunning victory at Wembley and many incredible performances at Birmingham 2022.  

“While women’s sport continues to go from strength to strength, we know there is more to be done to support women both on and off the field of play.

“The handover of the IWG is an incredible opportunity to build on the success so far and to push for true gender equality in sport.” 

CEO of UK Sport, Sally Munday, said: “The handover of the IWG from New Zealand to the UK is an opportunity that goes far beyond the four years that we will host it.

“The important thing is that we are consciously making decisions which nurture a strong legacy for gender equality globally. Being part of the world’s largest network that is devoted to achieving gender equality in sport means we all have a responsibility to inspire positive change. The impact that this change will have on the next generation of sport is in our hands.

“What we have witnessed both at the women’s Euros and over the last week here in Birmingham reflects what an exciting time this is for female athletes and all of us involved in sports administration to be promoting change. The scope for progress in this space is immense and I am looking forward to seeing women and girls in sport thrive in the future.”

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, said: “The UK taking the baton as hosts of the IWG could not be coming at a better time as we look to capitalise on the incredible success of so many of our brilliant female sporting stars. 

“Their achievements are a reminder that the work to break down the barriers that stop so many women and girls from participating fully in sport must continue to be a huge focus for us all. 

“Becoming hosts of the IWG provides an important and exciting catalyst for this work, and we must ensure that we use its potential to bring decision-makers and influencers together to create lasting change.”

Dame Janet Beer, Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said: “I am delighted that the collaborative work led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance for the last two years has now officially reached the stage when the Secretariat for this prestigious group moves to the UK. As a part of the Alliance’s strategic commitment to support the improvement of equality, diversity and inclusion, the most influential, impactful and diverse voices from sport and recreation were convened to make this happen and we look forward to playing our part as leaders from across the global sporting stage.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol: “New Zealand’s female athletes have contributed to New Zealand’s proud Olympic and Commonwealth Games History and at Birmingham 2022 we have, for the first time, more women than men in the team. Their feats of strength, speed, resilience and commitment contribute to building our nation’s identity. Their potential to connect with and inspire new generations of young boys and girls cannot be understated and we are delighted to be supporting conversations and progress around women in sport.”

Ends.

About the CGF
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth. 

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AFTNews, Commonwealth Games

Australia’s state of Victoria to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted by the State of Victoria in Australia. 

The announcement follows a successful exclusive dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and Victoria, where an exciting proposal to stage the major multi-sport competition across the State was agreed. 

The proposal capitalises on the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides renewed flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Games.

In what will be a first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The approach will showcase the best of what the State has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators. 

There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year. 

The CGF, CGAus and Victoria entered an exclusive dialogue period in February 2022. A CGF and CGAus visit to Victoria took place later that month. This was followed by a Victoria 2026 delegation presenting their 2026 Games Proposal to the CGF Executive Board in Birmingham, England in March 2022. The Proposal has now been approved by the CGF Executive Board, with the Host Contract to be signed in Victoria today. 

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. 

Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event. 

In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey. 

This is a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other.”
 
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said: “It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state.”

“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”

Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. Victoria has also hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004.” 

Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026.”

“A home Games will provide immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and will inspire our athletes in what will be a unique and exciting Games”.

The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.

Victoria is a world-leading major events and tourism destination. The State has a strong track record for staging high profile sporting competitions including The Australian Open tennis grand slam, the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup. Victoria also regularly hosts elite cricket, golf and Australian Rules Football competition.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from 28 July – 8 August.

Victoria 2026: Initial 16 sports on the programme 
 

Sport Proposed Location
Aquatics
(Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving)		 Geelong
Athletics & Para Athletics Ballarat
Badminton Gippsland
Boxing Ballarat 
Beach Volleyball Geelong
Cricket T20 Geelong, Gippsland, Ballarat, Bendigo
Cycling Gippsland to Bendigo
Gymnastics Geelong
Hockey Geelong
Lawn Bowls & Para Lawn Bowls Bendigo 
Netball Bendigo
Rugby Sevens Gippsland
Squash Bendigo
Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis Geelong
Triathlon & Para Triathlon Geelong
Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting Bendigo

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AFTNews, Commonwealth Games

Two new members join CGF Athletes Advisory Commission

16 December 2021, London (AFTNN/PRNewsGIG) – The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board has appointed Matt Levy of Australia and Ashley Kelly of the British Virgin Islands as new members of the Athletes Advisory Commission (AAC).

Matt Levy is a highly decorated Australian para swimmer who topped the podium in the men’s 50m freestyle S7 event at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. He has competed at five editions of the Paralympic Games, from Athens 2004 to Tokyo 2020, where he has won three gold, one silver, and six bronze medals.

Levy has become the new para-sport representative on the CGF AAC, replacing South Africa’s Natalie Du Toit.

Du Toit, a seven-time Commonwealth Games champion and 13-time Paralympic gold medallist, steps down following the conclusion of her term on the Commission at the 2021 CGF General Assembly.

Ashley Kelly is a sprinter who competed at both Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018. She also ran at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she was flag bearer for the British Virgin Islands during the Opening Ceremony.

Kelly has become the Caribbean representative on the CGF AAC after Brendan Williams of Dominica vacated the position to become Chair of the Commission in March 2021. Williams, the first Caribbean athlete in history to lead the athletes commission of a major International Sports Federation, replaced hockey player Rhona Toft of Scotland as AAC Chair. 

The new appointments bring the CGF AAC to a full quota of eight members, with the Chair, six regional representatives (one from each region), and the para-sport representative. 

CGF AAC Chair and Executive Board member Brendan Williams said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt and Ashley to the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission.

This is a hugely exciting time for Commonwealth Sport and with Birmingham 2022 fast approaching, a significant part of our role is to ensure the athlete voice and views play a central role in everything the CGF does.

Matt and Ashley will bring real insight and expertise across many areas and on behalf of the Commission, I congratulate them on their successful applications.” 

Matt Levy said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission as the new para-sport representative.

The fact that the Commonwealth Games has an integrated para sport programme always makes the event particularly special for athletes and fans and is something to be celebrated.

I look forward to working with Brendan and all of my new colleagues on the Commission to ensure that the athlete voice is at the heart of everything we do.” 

Ashley Kelly said: “It is a privilege to be joining the Commission as the new athlete representative from the Caribbean. 

The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and for the athletes of the Caribbean, it is the pinnacle of elite competition.

I am delighted to be working with a fellow athlete from the Caribbean, Brendan Williams, as well as all my Commission colleagues from across the Commonwealth. I look forward to helping create the very best athlete experience and interaction with Commonwealth Sport.” 

About the CGF Athletes Advisory Commission

The members of the Athletes Advisory Commission are:

Chair: Brendan Williams: Dominica, Athletics (High Jump), 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games 

Para-sport representative: Matt Levy: Australia, Swimming, 2018 Commonwealth Games, winning gold 50m freestyle S7

Europe: Colin Gregor: Scotland, Rugby Sevens, 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games 

Asia: Lim Heem Wei: Singapore, Gymnastics, 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning silver in 2010

Africa: Lechezdani Luza: Botswana, Boxing (51kg), 2002 and 2006 and Commonwealth Games, winning silver in 2002 

Americas: Dr Nicole Forrester: Canada, Athletics (High Jump), 2002 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2010 and bronze in 2002 

Oceania: Alison Shanks: New Zealand, Track Cycling, 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 3000m Individual Pursuit in 2010 

Caribbean: Ashley Kelly: Virgin Islands, Athletics (Sprinter), 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games

About the CGF

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.thecgf.com.