Gold Coast Ceremonies Concept, CGF Human Rights Statement and 2022 Candidate City Process Extension approved in Colombo

The closely-guarded creative plans for the Gold Coast 2018 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a detailed and far-reaching policy statement on human rights and updates on the Belfast 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games preparations and 2022 Commonwealth Games Candidate City process were key agenda topics at the latest meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board, which concluded today in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Commonwealth Games Federation President, Louise Martin CBE said: "In just six months’ time we will be at the heart of a thrilling sporting spectacle on Australia’s Gold Coast. We are inspired and impressed by the detailed preparations for the next edition of the Commonwealth Games and have approved the creative concepts for the Gold Coast 2018 Opening and Closing Ceremonies and welcomed this week’s completion of the Athletes’ Village.

"We are also working hard to find the best possible solution to ensure a successful Games after Gold Coast and a continued commitment to host community legacies.

"I must congratulate the Birmingham Bid team for the work that has been undertaken in preparing a comprehensive proposal for 2022. We have carefully reviewed the bids and updates received as part of the ongoing 2022 Candidate City Process and have agreed - noting the challenging timescales and no fully compliant bid - that further time should be given to all interested parties to enable the submission of fully compliant proposals."

In special circumstances and an accelerated timeframe, a number of Commonwealth Games Associations, Cities and Governments mobilised to consider the opportunity of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. To support the ongoing selection process, the CGF Executive Board resolved to extend the deadline for receipt of fully compliant proposals to 30 November 2017 and agreed that this date should be kept under review as the process continues to move forward with the nations and territories involved.

A further key decision was the unanimous endorsement of the Federation’s first-ever Human Rights policy. Building on the pledges made in Transformation 2022, the statement outlines the Commonwealth Sports Movement’s ambition and responsibility to champion human rights. Programmes, activities and agreements with future host cities and partners will promote the protection and enjoyment of human rights.

Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive, David Grevemberg CBE said: "The Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Sport Movement have a well-established history and proud heritage of uniting diverse nations and cultures through the power of sport - through our Youth Games, our Glasgow 2014 partnership with UNICEF and the new standards for inclusivity and gender-equality that are being set at Gold Coast 2018.

"This Human Rights Statement represents the next step in the CGF’s commitment to embed human rights within our governance, management systems, development, events, fundraising and marketing – and we are proud to be able to publish it here in Sri Lanka."

The meeting - hosted by Sri Lankan Commonwealth Games Association President, and CGF Regional Vice-President for Asia, Hemasiri Fernando, alongside Secretary-General Maxwell de Silva – reinforced the commitment and importance of Commonwealth sport and sports development across the Asia region, with a key focus on preparations for the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Executive Board was honoured to be received by Sri Lankan President His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena as part of the visit.

President of the Sri Lanka Commonwealth Games Association, Hemasiri Fernando, said: "Our city, country and region proudly provides the backdrop for the latest gathering of the CGF Executive Board at a very special and significant time in the history of the Commonwealth Sports Movement. With six months to go to Gold Coast 2018, and as the Queen’s Baton Relay begins its epic journey across Asia, we have been proud to host our Commonwealth family and reinforce our country’s commitment to Commonwealth sport."

The meeting also reviewed the success of the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, expressed its continued support and solidarity with those CGAs most affected by the devastating impact of recent hurricanes in the Americas and Caribbean regions, and received a short update on the Belfast 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The Executive Board welcomed the continued support from the Northern Irish sporting community and empathised with the current circumstances surrounding the legislative Assembly and Executive, granting to the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council until 15 December 2017 to determine whether or not they can progress with their plans to host the 2021 edition of the Youth Games.

CGF President, Louise Martin CBE continued: "We have been consistently encouraged by the broad political and stakeholder support for the Youth Games in Northern Ireland. With four years to go – and on the back of a truly inspiring and impactful Youth Games this summer in the Bahamas - we’re optimistic that all partners will soon come together to realise their shared legacy ambitions for this special event."

The Executive Board meeting took place at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo from 5 to 6 October 2017. It was the first CGF Executive Board meeting in Sri Lanka for ten years, meeting previously at the CGF General Assembly in November 2007. The CGF President, Medical Advisor (Dr Jegathesan Manikavasagam) and Chief Executive now travel to Australia for the Gold Coast 2018 Chefs de Mission Seminar, taking place from 8-11 October.

ENDS

For more information please contact: Martin Reynolds | +44 7789 772619 | m.reynolds@thecgf.com

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