Commonwealth Games Federation Sports Committee Appoints Scots Games Delivery Specialist

The Commonwealth Games Federation has appointed sports event delivery specialist Hilary Atkinson to its Sports Committee.

Hilary has a wide range of experience in delivering sports services for world-leading events including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Originally from Glasgow in Scotland, she is currently engaged as an Event Delivery Manager for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in London.

Announcing her appointment, Bruce Robertson, Chairman of the CGF Sports Committee said:

‘I’m delighted to welcome Hilary as a member of CGF Sports Committee. Hilary brings with her a real passion for sport as well as extensive experience in delivering a world-class environment for elite international athletes across a wide range of sports and para sports.

‘At Glasgow 2014, Hilary worked closely with Commonwealth Games Associations and their athletes across the sports programme and I know colleagues throughout the Games Family will join me in congratulating her on her appointment and look forward to sharing the insight and enthusiasm she will bring to the role.’

As General Manager, Sports Services, at Glasgow 2014 Hilary led the team with responsibility for a range of key areas including delivering the Sport Entries system, standalone Training Venues, Sport Publications, Sport Information services and the Athlete Gym requirements. Her 15-strong staff team grew to a Games-time workforce of more than 320, including 260 clyde-sider volunteers.

Hilary’s appointment as a non-voting, co-opted member of the Sports Committee has been approved by the CGF Executive Board.

The elected members of the Sports Committee (until the 2015 General Assembly) are:

Sani Ndanusa (Africa),

Philip Guishard (Americas),

Chris Chan (Asia),

Chet Greene (Caribbean),

Don Parker (Europe)

and Don Stockins (Oceania).

In addition, the Chairman (appointed by the Executive Board), Broadcasting Expert (Richard Russell), CEO (David Grevemberg) and Director of Sport (Matthew Curtain) serve the Committee as ex-officio members.

The Sports Committee typically meets biannually. Its key functions are to provide technical expertise and support to the Executive Board in relation to the development and management of all aspects of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games sports programmes. The Committee also engages with International Sports Federations, future host cities and bidding cities.

2018 Commonwealth Games-Gold Coast Makes Solid Progress

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) today concludes its second Coordination Commission meeting in relation to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

This second review has been timed to follow on from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Debrief coordinated by the CGF last week here in Gold Coast. The Debrief enabled the experiences and recommendations from the Glasgow 2014 Games organisers to be passed on to the Gold Coast Organising Corporation (GOLDOC), City of Gold Coast and the Queensland and Australian governments.

Reporting on the arrangements for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, CGF Coordination Commission Chair, Mr Bruce Robertson (Canada) confirmed that impressive progress has been made over the last 12 months since the previous review meeting.

“The Coordination Commission is impressed with the venue and infrastructure developments. All is well in hand under the expert control of the State Government in partnership with the City of Gold Coast. We also recognise the recent funding commitment of the Federal Government. Highlights of recent achievements are the opening of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and the commencement of site works for the Parklands Development that will host the Games Village.

The legacy plans of all Games delivery partners are taking shape and the CGF is encouraging activation which will cause positive impact for the local community before, during and well after the Games.” said Mr Robertson.

The Organising Corporation is established and has moved forward with strategic planning in 7 key areas such as Security, Transport and Sport. They have recently had the benefit of a comprehensive observation programme the CGF operated in Scotland before and during Glasgow 2014.

“The next six months are critical. When the Coordination Commission meets again in May next year there will be a little under three years to Games time and we will be over half way through the preparation programme. It is now that the very detailed operational planning work must accelerate” said Mr Robertson.

Continuing Mr Robertson said “It is critical that plans are crafted to achieve Games time requirements and to deliver the best possible community impact and legacy. The CGF is committed to ensure the Games deliver real and tangible legacy for local communities and engage the Commonwealth across the globe.”

Mr Robertson also announced that the Coordination Commission has appointed George Black CBE, retiring Chief Executive for the Glasgow City Council. Having overseen City’s delivery of the highly successful Glasgow Commonwealth Games, George’s insight and experience will provide additional support for the CoCom and the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast.