Crunch Votes at Commonwealth Games Assembly

(ATR) Chief executive David Grevemberg insists the Durban 2022 edition will raise the bar in innovation as the Commonwealth Games Federation steps up efforts to increase the relevance of its flagship event.

Speaking to media in Auckland ahead of the CGF general assembly, Grevemberg spoke about plans to increase the number of sports from 10 to 16 with other events possible on a one-off basis, in a bid to keep the Games relevant on the world stage.

He said the vision for Durban 2022 was "much, much bigger" than just the event, according to comments in the New Zealand Herald.

More than 250 delegates from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories are in Auckland for the annual meeting at which the South African city is expected to be confirmed as hosts. Financial guarantees from the South African government were received last week.

Durban is the only bidder after Edmonton, Canada dropped out of the race in February.

Since taking up the CEO post last November, Grevemburg said he had been given a "very clear directive" to develop a new strategy for the Commonwealth Games.

"We are challenging thinking on the Commonwealth brand, and I think that's quite important," he said, echoing what the IOC has done with its Agenda 2020 reforms process that ultimately aims to make the Olympics more attractive to potential bidders and more exciting for the younger generation.

"I think the dialogue and consultation that we've had over the past couple of months has been very, very useful to define who we are, where do we come from and where do we want to go. People see the potential and feel the momentum and want to continue to capitalise on that," Grevemburg was quoted as saying.

A seven-year strategic plan for the Games called Transformation 2022 has been hatched and is subject to a vote at the general assembly. A new program of 16 core sports with other optional sports is a key component.

Grevemberg insists the new-look format, combined with a CommonwealthGames ranking system, would offer more certainty for athletes and make the event more attractive to sport’s global superstars. The CGF hopes to forge stronger partnerships with international federations.

"We need to be innovative, engaged and certainly agile," he said. "You need to create a platform... that's relevant and resonant. It needs to have scope and scale in terms of media and broadcast and outreach."

The CGF’s general assembly, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday in the New Zealand capital, will also elect a new president.

"This is a transformational moment for the Commonwealth Sports Movement, as we meet in Auckland to build on our recent successes and valued heritage and move forward together to decide on the future shape and positive impact of the Games and sport in the Commonwealth," said CGF leader Prince Tunku Imran, who is standing for re-election.

The IOC member from Malaysia faces a presidential challenge from CGF honorary secretary Louise Martin.

Also to be elected for the CGF’s Executive Board for the 2015-2019 cycle are the positions of three vice presidents, athletes’ representative and six regional vice presidents.Contesting the three VP positions are Michael Cavanagh (Scotland), Sandra Osborne (Barbados), Bruce Robertson (Canada), Gideon Sam (South Africa) and Kereyn Smith (New Zealand).

The Durban 2022 bid team, including South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula and the city’s mayor James Nxumalo, will present their vision for the Commonwealth Games before the 71 members vote to award hosting rights.

As well as the vote on the Transformation 2022 strategic plan, an update will come from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games organizing committee.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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