Commonwealth Sport Foundation launches with ambition to address world's greatest challenges

The Commonwealth Sport Foundation, the new charitable foundation of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, has been unveiled today with an ambition to help address some of the world’s greatest challenges.

The establishment of a charitable foundation is a key objective in the Commonwealth Sport Movement’s Transformation 2022 strategy – which repositions the Commonwealth Games beyond a quadrennial sporting spectacle towards a wider Movement which benefits communities through sport every day across the Commonwealth.

The Foundation, which has been launched during the week marking the 90-year anniversary of the inaugural Games in Hamilton, Ontario in 1930, has five strategic development priorities.

It will focus on: Youth Empowerment; Equal Rights; Historical Injustice; Small States and Island States; and Sustainable Cities & Communities.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin said: "There has never been a more important time to fully realise the potential and impact of Commonwealth Sport.

"Commonwealth citizens and communities are faced with urgent issues and challenges impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic, compounding longstanding or systemic issues relating to poverty, conflict, climate change, racial inequality, discrimination, economic uncertainty, health and wellbeing, education, the digital divide and post-colonial legacies.

"However, as we reflect on how far we have come since the very first Games in 1930, and our shared history, global and cultural diversity, I passionately believe we can be united by our common ambitions and collective impact, as well as our past.

"Through the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, inspired by our engaged athletes and communities, our aim is to shape a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future generations across the Commonwealth."

Formally registered as a charity in the UK, recruitment to the independent board of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation has commenced.

Partnership, project and fundraising strategies are at the early stages of development and work has started on a £3.5m development fund, enabled through the 2022 Commonwealth Games Host City Contract, ensuring the vision, legacy and benefits of Birmingham 2022 are brought to life across the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth through 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: to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities globally by inspiring Commonwealth Athletes to drive the impact and ambition of all Commonwealth Citizens through Sport.

For more information please contact:

CGF Media and Communications Manager

Tom Degun

+ 44 (0) 7788 580790

t.degun@thecgf.com

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